Associations
Mauritius has a well-developed business association environment that encompasses a myriad of industry sectors. Many of these associations were established to promote the growth of a particular industry within the country and to contribute to the development of Mauritius and its future success, including the Mauritius IT Industry Association, the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture, and the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants.
There are also associations that provide representation for their members in negotiations with the government, which include the Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Association, the Freeport Operators Association and Business Mauritius.
Most of the associations in Mauritius provide guidance and support to professionals and make a valuable contribution to the business sector.
Business Mauritius came into operation in October 2015 following the restructuring of the Mauritius Employers' Federation (MEF) and the closing down of the Joint Economic Council (JEC). These two private sector institutions were set up respectively in 1962 and 1970. They have merged to operate as a single organisation now known as Business Mauritius (BM).
BM provides a platform which coordinates the Mauritian private sector's
position for business enhancement, economic development and employment
relations.
It has a membership of over 1,200 enterprises of all sizes
and from all sectors of the economy. BM represents, promotes, protects and
defends the interests of the private sector in Mauritius and is engaged in
liaising with Government and other social partners on all matters relating
to the harmonious socio-economic development of Mauritius. Business
Mauritius is administered by a National Council made up of 18 members.
The
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) provides
support to potential and existing small entrepreneurs with a view to
enable them to start new enterprises or to improve their existing
business.
Read more: Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority
Vision
Creating equal opportunities and promoting business practices
Mission
To promote business, social and other activities, locally and overseas to
foster economic development, growth and prosperity.
To promote
social justice, equality and nation building.
The National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC), a parastatal body operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare was set up in 1999. It is the main organization that provides support and assistance to both potential and existing women entrepreneurs in Mauritius.
The mission of the NWEC is to be a reference for promoting entrepreneurship inculcating the right business culture for women in Mauritius.
The NWEC acts as a driver and facilitator in empowering women entrepreneurs.
Women in Networking (WIN) emerged on the Mauritian scene in 2006 with the objective of empowering women, inspired by article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". A network within itself, WIN brings together Soroptimist International Ipsae, the Junior Chamber International Curepipe, the Association Mauricienne des Femmes Chefs d'Entreprise, MediaWatch Organisation (GEMSA) and individual members.