 STRATEGY |
| INTERVIEW OF
MR RAJPATI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAURITIUS SUGAR AUTHORITY |
Q. There is no doubt that the sugar industry has always been a pillar for the Mauritian
economy, what has been the role of the Mauritius Sugar Authority in that development?
A. After our independence in 1968 the major source of revenue came from the exportation
of sugar, in the course of time we had the proceeds that came from sugar which allowed the
sugar producing community to generate some extra revenue through taxes imposed by the
government. This situation has encouraged the sugar industry to invest in other sectors
like the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and the tourist sector namely. It has also enabled
government to provide a certain incentives in the asset industry that attracted a lot of
investment and on top of that a lot of employment opportunities have been created.
Q. Mr Rajpati you are the executive director of the Mauritius Sugar Authority, could
you tell us what are the main guidelines of your strategies?
A. There are major changes that are being carried out at the World Trade Organisation
level in the context of the committee on agriculture where we are participating so as to
share our views and learn new strategies, submit our views and prepare ourselves for
negotiations. At the factory level we want to centralise the sugar industry but there are
some key factors that have to be taken into consideration before centralisation.
Q. Our readers are always interested in new business opportunities, would you mention
some investment opportunities in the sugar
industry?
A. Investment opportunities exist in the production of energy with bagasse in the next
decade and there is a niche in all that is high technology and like Singapore we wish to
start the production of tissue culture plant and in turn export these new cultures to new
markets. Countries like Madagascar and Mozambique represent investment opportunities in
terms of agriculture and warehouses. |
Q. What is the Mauritius Sugar Authority going to do in order to attract partnership?
A. We want to play a role of facilitator between the respective partners so as the
sugar industry can benefit from that even though we are not involved directly in the
production and investment activities.
Q. As a more personal issue, Mr Rajpati could you give to our readers a brief
background of your own professional experience?
A. I studied in France where I obtained a diploma in Engineering and Agriculture
and after that I did PhD at the Institute National Agronomic de Paris, Grillon. After that
I joined the Sugar Insurance Fund Board from 1978 to 1986 and then in 1987 I joined the
Mauritius Sugar Authority.
Q. What has been your biggest achievement since you have been the executive director of
the Mauritius Sugar Authority?
A. The production of electricity from bagasse has been a big success; this has also
enabled the safeguard of the environment. The other achievement would be the grant given
to employees of the sugar industry in order to become owner of houses.
Q. As a final issue, what will be your final message to our readers?
A. The sugar industry is here to stay in business, we guarantee a secure and harmonious
environment between all the partners of the industry.
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