Ken Poonoosamy,
Chief Executive Officer, EDB

“We must ensure our product offerings remain competitive”

Mauritius is leveraging on a strategic collaboration to carve a niche in the competitive market of the global fashion industry. The opening ceremony of the Fashion Trend Workshop, organized by the Economic Development Board (EDB) in partnership with the University of Mauritius, showcased the journey from a basic garment manufacturer in the 1970s to a leader in design-led, high-quality apparel. Ken Poonoosamy, CEO of the Economic Development Board, highlighted the vital role of such collaborations in advancing Mauritius’s textile sector and ensuring its continued growth and global relevance.

The Economic Development Board (EDB) and the University of Mauritius recently hosted the Fashion Trend Workshop, a collaborative event that gathered around thirty designers and CEOs from the textile industry. This event provided a platform for industry professionals to delve into emerging trends in fashion and manufacturing.

Part of a broader capacity-building initiative for the apparel sector, the workshop was designed to equip industry professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the latest developments in fashion trends. Participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions and exchange insights on the evolving landscape of the textile and fashion industries.

The Fashion Trend Workshop is committed to empowering industry players with the tools and knowledge necessary to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market dynamics. Serving as a valuable resource for designers, CEOs, and other stakeholders in the textile sector, the event enables informed decision-making and the ability to seize emerging opportunities.

We are constantly challenged to deliver innovative design collections, manage operational margins, enhance brand images, and expand business horizons

At the opening ceremony, Ken Poonoosamy, Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, highlighted the transformative journey of Mauritius in the textile and apparel sector. His remarks underscored the island nation’s evolution from a manufacturer of basic garments in the 1970s to a leading supplier of design-led, high-quality apparel in today’s competitive global market.

The CEO of the EDB began by celebrating the collaborative spirit that brought together the EDB and the University of Mauritius for this capacity-building initiative. “Our collective efforts are a shining example of what we can achieve when we work hand in hand to advance the textile and apparel industry, and position Mauritius as a vibrant player on the global fashion stage,” he stated. 

This partnership exemplifies the dynamic approach Mauritius – which has long been a significant player in the global textile and apparel industry – is taking to ensure the continued growth and diversification of the sector. 

Ken Poonoosamy noted that the sector, now comprising over 100 companies and employing approximately 20,000 individuals, contributes around 2.2% to the nation’s GDP, and accounts for nearly 31.4% of total domestic exports. In 2023, the sector achieved a remarkable milestone, with export earnings reaching USD 412.9 million. The island’s primary export markets include Europe, the United States, and South Africa, with Europe accounting for about 30%, the United States 12%, and South Africa a substantial 38%.

“Our Textile and Apparel sector has also achieved remarkable success by partnering with leading international brands such as Armani, Gucci, Guess, ASOS, and Woolworths, amongst others,” he highlighted. This success, he emphasized, is a testament to the sector’s commitment to superior quality, timely delivery, and exceptional customer service, reinforcing Mauritius’s reputation as a reliable and innovative supplier on the global stage.

Despite its successes, the Mauritian textile and apparel industry has not been immune to global economic challenges. The CEO of the EDB acknowledged the sector’s resilience in the face of intense competition from countries with lower production costs, rising expenses for raw materials, energy, labour, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. He also pointed out the challenge of a shortage of skilled workers, which has been a persistent issue.

“Despite these challenges, the industry has shown remarkable resilience, and has continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable supplier through various strategic initiatives supported by the government over the years,” he remarked. These strategies have focused on advancing technology, re-engineering processes, and fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises with a focus on exports. The EDB’s efforts in market diversification and regional integration, including several marketing campaigns and participation in trade fairs, have also been crucial in showcasing the Mauritian apparel sector in targeted and emerging markets.

As the global fashion industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, Mauritius has positioned itself as a key player in this evolving landscape. Ken Poonoosamy highlighted the country’s adherence to international standards such as the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), Higg Index, Oeko-Tex, and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). “These certifications underscore our strong commitment to sustainability, and ensure our products meet rigorous environmental and social criteria,” he said, emphasizing that maintaining these high standards has helped Mauritius secure niche markets in Europe, South Africa, and the USA.

Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of embracing and adapting to fashion trends to stay competitive. “We are constantly challenged to deliver innovative design collections, manage operational margins, enhance brand images, and expand business horizons—embracing and adapting to fashion trends is more crucial than ever,” he asserted.

The Fashion Trend Workshop, which the CEO inaugurated, is designed to address these challenges by equipping participants with the necessary tools to stay ahead in the global fashion industry. The workshop aims to provide insights into global trends such as sustainable materials and digital innovations, enhance design skills, strengthen production capabilities, and promote eco-friendly practices.

Embracing and adapting to fashion trends is more crucial than ever

Mr. Ken Poonoosamy expressed his gratitude for the involvement of Sheila Murugan-Koothan, a French modelist of Mauritian origin with over 40 years of experience in the French Clothing and Fashion Industry. Her collaboration with prestigious brands and fashion houses brings a wealth of knowledge to the program. 

The CEO pledged the EDB’s unwavering support for the continued growth of the textile and apparel industry in Mauritius. “We must ensure our product offerings remain competitive and our designs help set Mauritius apart from other manufacturing countries,” he affirmed. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the University of Mauritius for its collaboration and partnership, which he believes will be instrumental in driving the industry forward.