During an event held in Moka on July 23 on the merger between two leading private entities ENL and Rogers, renamed ER Group, Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam in his keynote address has lauded this initiative while stressing on their contribution spanning over decades to shape the socio-economic fabric of Mauritius as market leaders across sectors such as agri-business, real estate to hospitality, travel, logistics to financial services, commerce, manufacturing and technology.
This merger embodies the spirit of proactive adaptation by bringing together the diversified strength of Rogers and ENL for a more resilient, dynamic, and future-ready enterprise, along with 7,400 employees across 30 countries, he underlined.
The Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s dedication to pursuing a transformative path for both the economy and society, geared towards building a new Mauritius based on honesty, good governance, and integrity. He highlighted key initiatives such as the Government Programme 2025–2029, the establishment of a High-Level Steering Committee to oversee its implementation, and the 2025–2026 Budget.
Speaking on propelling national progress, Dr Ramgoolam outlined the country’s new economic strategy anchored on five foundational pillars to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The new strategy includes emphasis on research, development and innovation; strategic repurposing of resources such as land and labour; sustaining growth through investment and technology, sports and structural transformation that delivers on social justice and consumer well-being; restoring macroeconomics fundamentals with a reduction of the debt-to-GDP ratio; lowering dependency on imports and increasing the share of manufacturing to GDP.
Amidst a period of significant challenges and emerging opportunities, the Prime Minister noted that countries around the world are rethinking and reshaping their strategies. On that score, he emphasised the need for pension reform in Mauritius, highlighting that the current system is unsustainable and must be addressed to ensure long-term financial stability. He also spoke of upcoming trade negotiations with the President of the United States, Mr Donald Trump.
Dr Ramgoolam called for a strong partnership among the public and private sectors, academia, and local communities to build a prosperous and inclusive Mauritius, well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the years ahead. He also spoke of his vision to position Mauritius as a regional trade hub, creating new investment space in the ocean and digital economy. The need to revive the Regional Cooperation Council and to restructure the Economic Development Board to foster growth and responsible resource management, investment in green infrastructure to safeguard the nation against calamities, were also highlighted by the Prime Minister.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the ER Group, Mr Gilbert Espitalier-Noël; the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Philippe Espitalier-Noël; and the Non-Executive Director, Mr Eric Espitalier-Noël, reiterated their renewed commitment to making a meaningful contribution and continuing to invest in the socio-economic progress of Mauritius.
News source: GIS
