Learning from Mauritius

According to the latest Economic Freedom of the World report, South Africa slid dramatically down the rankings from 37th to 53rd, and could learn a lot about improving its economy from its neighbours in Mauritius, says Jasson Urbach in Enterprise Africa.

For example:

While Mauritius has fallen from 35th to 40th on the economic freedom rankings, it remains well ahead of South Africa; it has a gross domestic product per capita of $5,260 against South Africa's $4,960.

To counter its perceived loss of competitiveness, the country has embarked on reforms aimed at increasing economic freedom and improving the business environment.

Mauritius has invested in niche markets and contains some of the most sophisticated manufacturing plants in the world, enabling them to turn orders into finished goods very quickly.

If the relationship between increased economic freedom and economic growth hold, says Urbach, Mauritius can count on an increased standard of living, leaving South Africa further behind.

Source: Jasson Urbach, Good business tips could come from Mauritius, Enterprise Africa, December 4, 2006.

For text: http://www.enterprise-africa.org/Publications/pubID.3520,cfilter.0/pub_detail.asp

For more on International Issues: http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_Category=26

FMF Policy Bulletin/ 02 January 2007