<B>“Third country fabric” gets through US Senate</B>

The American Senate adopted the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act last Saturday. The third country fabric exemption will allow Mauritian textile factories to import raw materials from anywhere in the world while still benefiting from a duty-free access to the US market. The government has always been confident that Mauritius would obtain the exemption – it was only a matter of time – but it must be relieved that it is now official. However, this is not a long-term solution to the problems of the sector since it will last only one year. But it will make it possible to sell the products 17-18% cheaper and increase the number of exports to the US again.

<B>New general manager for Mauritius Commercial Bank </B>

The Board of the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) appointed its new general manager, Joseph-Alain Sauzier, last week. Although the bank has always said that it will support its GM, Pierre-Guy Noël, until the latter is cleared, it has decided to nominate for the time being a 66 year-old professional with forty years’ experience in international banking. He’ll take up his post at the beginning of next year. The bank is confident that “Mr Sauzier’s experience will favour the future development of the bank thus allowing the institution to play its role of leader…” This appointment and that of Gérard Hardy as chairman of the board occured sixteen months after Pierre-Guy Noël asked for leave.

<B>The judiciary reflects on its role in society</B>

India’s former Attorney General, Soli Sorabjee, was one of participants in a seminar on the role of the judiciary organised by the Bar Council. Fundamental human rights, a judge’s duties and the necessity of promulgating laws were among the topics discussed. According to Bar Council president Sanjay Buckhory, there is general impression that the judiciary deals more with the interests of the executive than of the citizens. The population has the impression that conservatism takes precedence over activism. However, this debate is a sign that the Bar Council is taking these issues to heart and trying to find solutions.

<B>Indian diaspora minister visits Mauritius</B>

The visit of minister Jagdish Tytler was an opportunity to discuss the possible abolition of a visa to India and of dual nationality. He discussed the matter with the president of the Repubic. Such a regulation is being adopted for Indian travellers wishing to come to Mauritius for less than 15 days. The aim of the minister’s visit to Mauritius was to meet the Indian Diaspora in Mauritius and invite them to the third edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held from 7-9 January in Mumbai.