{"id":4130,"date":"2026-02-28T06:52:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T06:52:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/primeminister.govmu.org\/pm\/?p=4130"},"modified":"2026-03-03T06:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T06:59:15","slug":"pm-calls-for-stronger-public-private-partnership-to-drive-economic-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/primeminister.govmu.org\/pm\/?p=4130","title":{"rendered":"PM calls for stronger public-private partnership to drive economic transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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GIS – 28 Feb 2026: A robust and strategic partnership between Government and private sector is the cornerstone of Mauritius\u2019 economic resilience, competitiveness, and long-term transformation, stated the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam.<\/p>

He was speaking yesterday at the launching of a new production line of carbonated soft drinks of the Phoenix Beverages Ltd (PBL) in Phoenix.<\/p>

The Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Patrick Gervais Assirvaden; the Chairman of Phoenix Beverages Group (PBG), Mr Arnaud Lagesse; the Chief Executive Officer of PBG, Mr Bernard Theys; the Vice President Franchise Operation, West Islands & Mid Africa, The Coca-Cola Company, Mr Rodrigue Billa, and several other personalities were present.<\/p>

In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised that the transformation of the Mauritian economy has always been driven by a dynamic synergy between Government and the private sector. \u201cEntrepreneurs are the main engines of economic growth, they generate wealth, create jobs and shape a competitive landscape and Government\u2019s role is to act as a facilitator and catalyst,\u201d he affirmed.<\/p>

He explained that the country\u2019s new economic model is anchored in innovation and creativity, creating space for private initiative to flourish. The objective, he said, is to boost local productivity, accelerate technological development, expand employment opportunities and modernise infrastructure.<\/p>

Dr Ramgoolam highlighted that the new line of production demonstrates the capacity of PBL to innovate. Tracing the company\u2019s roots back to 1931 under Phoenix Camp Minerals Limited, he recalled that Mauritius was then heavily dependent on sugar and agriculture. This new investment of Rs 700 million by the PBL demonstrates the commitment to advancing local manufacturing excellence, he said. It also reflects the Group\u2019s continued confidence in Mauritius and the country\u2019s ability to support long term growth.<\/p>

He further praised the new production line\u2019s high-efficiency processes, noting significant reductions in energy and water consumption as exemplary of responsible, forward-looking industrial development.<\/p>

The Prime Minister moreover stressed that adaptability is the new resilience and called on businesses to embrace change to secure long-term prosperity. He emphasised the need for proactive policies on regional integration and encouraged economic operators to seize opportunities within the African market through preferential access to SADC, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area.<\/p>

Referring to his recent participation in the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, the Prime Minister stated that AI is set to become a central pillar of global development. He reaffirmed Government\u2019s commitment to leveraging AI to drive efficiency and competitiveness, and announced the creation of a specialised economic zone focused on the digital economy and AI to attract foreign investment and position Mauritius as a technology hub for Africa.<\/p>

Mr Lagesse, for his part, underscored that the industrial sector is not merely an economic component, but a vital pillar of national stability and growth. He highlighted that PBL employs hundreds of dedicated collaborators and through its extensive distribution network sustains nearly 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, a tangible contribution to livelihoods and community development across Mauritius.<\/p>

He recalled that the new production line represents a major step forward for both the company and Mauritius\u2019 manufacturing sector. By expanding industrial capacity, increasing productivity, and consolidating export links with R\u00e9union and Seychelles, the investment strengthens the country\u2019s position as a competitive regional player.\u00a0<\/p>

Government Information Service, Prime Minister\u2019s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org \u00a0Website: https:\/\/gis.govmu.org \u00a0Mobile App: Search Gov<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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