Mauritius is now reckoned as the right ICT investment destination and outsourcing location and has successfully attracted key ICT players of international repute to do business on the island, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Mr Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum, said at the opening of the 21st edition of Infotech last night at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre, in Pailles.
Infotech 2014, extending over four days, brings together 32 operators in the ICT sector to showcase their technology and ICT products and services. The 61 stands booked are expected to attract over 100,000 visitors.
In his address, Minister Pillay Chedumbrum stressed that the development of the ICT sector is high on the agenda of Government and no effort is being spared in promoting and facilitating the development of the ICT industry. ‘Government has wisely and proactively identified Africa as an opportune pole of growth for Mauritius to tap. The Mauritius-Africa Fund has been established to provide support to local investors to invest in and export to Africa’, he pointed out.
Our ICT sector is steadily strengthening with the setting up of more state-of-the-art technology parks, the availability of outstanding telecommunication services at more competitive rates and the proper harnessing of human resources, said the Minister. He quoted latest figures indicating that the sector continues to soar with the value added rate to the economy rising by 6,6%, from Rs 19,226 million in 2012 to Rs 20,487 million in 2013.
Speaking about measures to further the development of the ICT sector specifically as regards enhanced internet connectivity, the Minister mentioned the reduction of the International Private Lease Circuits tariffs by 16 % which adds up to a total cut of 80 % since 2005. In addition, 50,000 houses will be connected to fibre cable by next year compared to 8,000 houses connected this year, he said. The fibre optic will offer a speed up to 30 Megabytes per second, among the best in the Southern Hemisphere, added Mr Pillay Chedumbrum.
Infotech 2014
Organised by the National Computer Board, Infotech is a major annual event on the ICT calendar. The aim is to create awareness on emerging technologies and facilitate commercial exchanges in the ICT sector. Entrance is free of charge.
Infotech 2014 includes the following components:
- ICT Exhibition;
- ICT Career Guidance Corner to sensitise secondary school students, school leavers, parents and the public in general on career opportunities and prospects in the ICT-BPO sector. The Career Guidance Corner will consist of two sections namely a Presentation Section and a Counselling Section;
- Cybersecurity conference to mark Computer Security Day 2014;
- Smart Home Corner to showcase ‘intelligent’ home products and appliances;
- Technopreneurship Corner, a dedicated space to allow technopreneurs increase their visibility by promoting their products/service. The aim is to promote entrepreneurship in the ICT sector.
- Gaming Zone - a modern technology-driven entertainment platform for young people as well as adults.
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