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(Date Posted:29/01/2009 07:21:37)
(Conférence de presse Audio Only)
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‘My main and only priority for this year remains the economy’, the Prime Minister, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, said where apart from the economy, other issues such as the situation at Air Mauritius and by-elections to be held in March were on the agenda.
Dr. Ramgoolam affirmed that, contrary to many countries, Mauritius is not in a state of recession and that his government is working towards consolidating the sectors of tourism, textile and construction, the three sectors the most hit by the international conjuncture, while safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones for the emerging youth. He said that around 2 500 jobs will be created in the ICT sector and that new hotels are going to open soon which will in turn provide additional jobs. He underlined that in 2008 around 10 800 new jobs have been created and that the rate of unemployment has declined significantly since 2005.
Regarding Air Mauritius which is currently in a very difficult situation, the Prime Minister stressed that everything will be done to save the company, which he believes can be achieved over the next two years. He gave examples of internationally renowned airlines which are facing the same problem due to the downturn in the travel industry and to air fuel hedging exercises. A cabinet of experts would soon be appointed to help turn things around at Air Mauritius, the Prime Minister said.
During the press conference Dr. Ramgoolam also announced that his party would not take part in the by-elections to be held on March 1 in the constituency of Moka - Saint Pierre. He reiterated that as already stated by him in his New Year message, his main focus this year remains the economy of the country and he and his ministerial would concentrate fully on this objective.
On the regional scene, the Prime Minister commented the situation in Madagascar and Zimbabwe. He has personally spoken to the Malagasy President, offering the mediation of Mauritius, if needed. As for Zimbabwe, he was briefed yesterday itself by the President of Botswana that the 13th of February has been fixed for the formation of a unity government.
Dr. Ramgoolam also announced that in February he will be attending the Breakfast Prayer Meeting in the U.S. This will provide an opportunity to meet President Barack Obama and raise with him several issues of interest to Mauritius and particularly that of Diego Garcia. 
(Message edited by ARSHAAD On
31/01/2009 08:51:17)
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