On 24 September 2024, a dissemination workshop was organised by the Economic Development Board to mark the formal conclusion of the Regulatory Review project. This initiative represents a significant milestone in Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Mauritius. The project is an integral part of the ‘Improving the Business and Investment climate’ programme, funded by the European Union to the tune of EUR 10 million and through which the Business Process Re-engineering exercise, and the National Electronic Licensing System were implemented.
Over a 40-month period, Agriconsulting Europe S.A (AESA) has collaborated with the Economic Development Board (EDB), and public and private stakeholders to implement the Regulatory Review project. During phase one of the project, a Business Regulatory Reform Council was established under the EDB together with a fundamental rethink of the regulatory and institutional framework across four sectors of strategic importance namely Tourism, Trade and Logistics, Land Use and Construction and Healthcare and Lifesciences.
The recommendations formulated as part of the project were drawn from international best practices adapted to the local context and better regulatory principles. The initiative also aimed at promoting the use of alternative means to regulate business activities by embracing the principle ‘development and facilitation over control’, without compromising on quality standards and safety norms.
Once again, the unwavering support from the highest echelons of government has been imperative in propelling the reform agenda and attaining success through collaboration. The Regulatory Review project was championed by the Honourable Prime Minister through the setting up of an Inter-Ministerial Committee and different working groups for each component. The recommendations formulated as part of the project were endorsed by Cabinet following the approval of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
For the tourism sector, beyond the overhaul of the licensing framework, the establishment of a Tourism Development Office is set to breathe life into the ecosystem by enhancing the tourism offering to improve sustainability and stay competitive. As an alternative means to regulate businesses, a Quality Assurance Scheme is also being developed to drive quality standards in hotels and restaurants. Likewise, the setting up of a tourism inspectorate coupled with the introduction of risk-based methodologies are expected to promote a positive approach to compliance.
The Trade & Logistics component has seen the formulation of a National Quality Policy to address the challenges and gaps within the existing National Quality Infrastructure. The aim is to ensure greater trust in the safety and quality of product and services, while eliminating trade barriers and maintaining the correct balance between policy objectives and trade interests.
As part of the Land Use and Construction component, the preparation of a policy for the preservation and development of agricultural land to ensure sustained long-term national and household food security is under way. AESA and EDB collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to ensure that the Private Health Institution Act responds to the advancements in the sector.
The regulatory review project is major step to conditioning the legal and regulatory framework to create a more dynamic, resilient, and sustainable economy.
For further information about the event please visit our website https://edbmauritius.org/newsroom/strengthening-the-mauritian-business-landscape-key-reforms-ahead.
