What could a small island like Mauritius provide to foreign companies involved in media, entertainment and animation services? Well, obviously more than anyone would have initially thought? so much so that the Board of Investment (BOI) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat is devoting a whole afternoon next Wednesday to the outsourcing opportunities in the sector of information and communication technologies (ICT). It is part of a four-day symposium on ?enhancing value addition in the export of ICT services?, at the Hilton Resort & Spa.

?Capitalising on its strategic location and relying on its sound domestic economic base, Mauritius is positioning itself as a global business platform for many international players in the IT/BPO industry,? states the BOI. This is why the institution promoting investment has organised an international ICT symposium ?on cutting-edge thinking about the future of ICT exports and global market opportunities for Mauritius?.

?Moreover, Mauritius has no reason to envy other countries in terms of creativity. ?We have talents here and we should take advantage of them.? However, he underlined the bad perception some foreigners may have of the country.?

For Jean-Claude Labat, managing director of Eruption Studios and member of the panel for the session on media, entertainment and animation services, thinks that Mauritius has a major card to play in outsourcing these services. His company has already been involved in outsourcing services for other companies in Reunion, Madagascar, Germany and New Caledonia to mention a few. One of its major outsourcing businesses has been film editing contracts with a large company in Munich, which has done some main prime time television movies.

?The media, entertainment and animation services, which constitute the foundation of a creative nation, have been booming in the world with the convergence of technology and business. Mauritius would like to be known as a creative nation given its multicultural legacy and strong ties with the African, Indian and European continent,? the BOI explains.

The managing director of Eruption Studios is aware of and deplores the country?s limits as far as technical aspects are concerned. ?The high costs of communication infrastructure and the Internet do not allow local companies to be as competitive as they could be. Prices are high while output remains limited compared to other countries.? Although he acknowledges the recent progress, he considers that ?Mauritius should not be too adventurous in trying to compete with big countries because it obviously does not have the same purchasing power since it is a small market?.

This is why he rather recommends mergers or joint ventures with foreign companies that are already relocating some of their activities abroad. The main interests that foreign companies will probably find in Mauritius are financial. ?Production costs and labour are cheaper for the moment and there have been some tax incentives that would interest these companies,? comments Jean-Claude Labat. Moreover, Mauritius has no reason to envy other countries in terms of creativity. ?We have talents here and we should take advantage of them.?

However, he underlined the bad perception some foreigners may have of the country. ?Some may feel that Mauritius is not ready to work hard. They must be reassured that we will get out of the ?No problem? culture to go for more professionalism and scrupulous methods.? Some foreign companies have already contacted him to set up media services, film production or a film laboratory but they are all afraid of the ?unprofessional? attitude culture.

During this workshop, speakers will be called upon to discuss the advantages and constraints Mauritius has to face in attracting new investors. It is also seen as a way of exploring opportunities for our local talents in terms of export of services and strategic alliances. Thanks to their experience, the speakers could suggest and recommend strategies to develop the sector.