Launching Ceremony

Of the Women’s Wing

of the

Tamil Chambers of Commerce and Professionals

On

Saturday 9 September 2006

At

1.00 p.m.

Hindoo Tamulall Benevolent Society

(Kovil Montagne)

Quatre Bornes

President of the Tamil Chambers of Commerce and

Professionals,

Members

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. It is with great pleasure that I am in your midst on this occasion of the launching ceremony of the Women’s wing of the Tamil Chambers of Commerce and Professionals. I also understand that a new version of the Tamil Chambers portal is also being launched. At the outset, allow me to congratulate the Tamil Chambers for this laudable initiative as women today are called upon to play an increasingly important role in the economic and cultural spheres. On the other hand, I consider the setting up of the new portal as another laudable initiative, as in this modern era, dominated by technology, we cannot survive without the use of Information Technology.

Ladies and gentlemen,

2. The promotion of women empowerment by the Tamil Chambers is highly significant. We recognize that much remain to be done IN Women empowerment. Women make up only some 35% of the labour force and a high 61% of the unemployed. The unemployment rate among women is 16.5 per cent compared to 5.8 per cent for men. And the estimated earned income of women amount to less than 40 per cent of men’s earnings. From these data, it is clear that one of the most pressing issues that we need to address is the earning capacity of women. The setting up of this women’s wing therefore goes in the right direction in promoting greater participation of women in the process of socio- economic development. In this modern era, women are active in all economic spheres and do not shy from jobs formerly occupied only by males. Here, I have in mind the increasing number of females being employed in the police force, the medical sector as nurses and doctors, and other key sectors. I would also remind that our female population is now occupying a place of pride in our business landscape. In this context, it is highly gratifying to witness today an NGO’s which has at heart the interest of the female community.

Ladies and gentlemen,

3. Government in the recent Budget has come up with a number of measures to allow Mauritius to undertake the transition from trade preferences to global competition. As regards business facilitation, it has been decided, to rationalise licences and procedures, to facilitate the setting up of business facilities. We are doing away with trade licences and the Registrar of companies will be the sole place for a business to register before operation. Registration will require only a Registration fee, which will be effective as from the 1^st of October 2006. Hence, clearances which are required from health, fire and police departments will be abolished. Instead, guidelines will be issued and will cover 40 activities grouped into three clusters, namely services, industrial and commercial. However, all relevant authorities have been requested to provide assistance to our entrepreneurs to facilitate them ensure compliance with the guidelines which will also be made available on line and through the Board of Investment, Enterprise Mauritius and the Small Enterprise Development Organisation, the SEHDA. In the endeavour to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and red tapism, measures have been taken so that business activities, particularly those from micro-enterprises and SMEs, can be started within three working days compared to at least 46 days previously.

Ladies and gentlemen,

4. Promotion of the SME sector has taken a new orientation. We cannot sit back and wait for the potential entrepreneurs to come forward with new projects. Concrete measures have been taken to decentralise the services of the SEHDA, bringing its services to the doorsteps of the entrepreneurs. The business counselling services of the organisation was previously only available at Coromandel. The services are now available at Rose Belle, Flacq, and Goodlands. Offices have also been posted at the different Municipal Councils. An outreach programme has also been implemented and officers have been trained to ensure effective counselling services.

5. A new programme is being implemented through the “Caravane de L’entreprenariat” to bring our services at the doorsteps of the entrepreneurs. The objective is to alleviate the problem of unemployment by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship at all levels of the society, particularly the economically vulnerable groups. Measures have been also taken to facilitate access to finance. Two new schemes have been set up, namely the High Potential Entrepreneurship Scheme where five entrepreneurs can receive each a grant up to Rs 500,000 and the Start Up Scheme where a grant of up to Rs 50,000 is provided to some 75 entrepreneurs. A number of other schemes have been initiated to facilitate access to finance and industrial space. Our entrepreneurs will thus be able to benefit from initiatives to set up a Tourist Village, Trading Houses in the region and assistance for outsourcing. A special programme for unemployed women has been set up and I here invite the women wing of this organization to avail of the opportunities.

Ladies and gentlemen,

6. Our NGO’s should play an active part in the process of interaction with Government institutions as the benefits can then trickle to their members. I wish therefore that the Tamil Chambers of Commerce and Professionals take all opportunities of the services that are provided by Government. In our democratic framework and the policy of Government to provide greater say to our people, I believe that it is now a priority that our NGO’s take an active part in the policy debate and make known their ideas and proposals. The activities of the Tamil Chambers of Commerce and Professionals are in line with the objectives of Government to promote the interests of the business community in the field of commerce, while affording all necessary opportunities to our female population. I end on this note and wish you success in your endeavour.

Thank you.