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Ahmed PARKAR, Chairman of the MEPZA
<B>How do you feel after your nomination at the head of the Mauritius Export Processing Zone Association (MEPZA) ?</B>
MEPZA represents the interests of the manufacturers and exporters of the greatest pillar of the economy. So, to be entrusted with the chairman?s responsibility, is a challenge and honour.
<B>Are you confident about the future of textile companies ?</B>
I am confident but I have some reservations. There is a strong trend for T-shirt and shirt production. However, the pullover and trouser sectors are shrinking and facing serious difficulties. The confidence in textile lies in specific areas of the industry and specific companies.
What will the MEPZA and other players have to do to stop factory closures and ensure a sustainable growth rate?</B>
MEPZA and other players in the sector can instigate discussion and action on measures which affect our members. The main issues we have raised are:
? Cost of air freight and availability of sea freight. We have to negotiate with airlines, especially Air Mauritius, a package to reduce the freight cost to Europe and the United States. This is essential in the short to medium term for our survival. We can therefore offer short lead times at competitive rates. On the sea freight side we need to increase vessel frequency to at least weekly sailings, with a sailing time of at most 28 days instead of the present 38 days . This seriously undermines our attractiveness as suppliers.
? Cost of utilities, such as electricity, water and waste water, have to remain competitive so as not to price us out of the market. We suggest a study to establish the cost structures on an international basis.
? Cost and availability of finance to allow for low borrowing cost and easier access to money for current requirement, reinvestment and modernisation.
What concrete actions are you planning to boost the sector ?</B>
As the new chairman of MEPZA, I intend to do my best to establish the right environment for the industry to survive, operate and succeed. That is by reducing costs, making all players, government or private, aware of our needs and the necessity of taking action. And finally, I will endeavour to create as much a positive outlook on the sector as I can by highlighting the achievements of members and directing, through the association, all valid information that may create more success for them.
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