Association for the Protection of the Environment and Consumers
A new anti-piracy mechanism, has been put in place with effect as from 1 December 2017 to safeguard the interests of artists and foster an anti-piracy culture across the country. Both the Anti-Piracy Unit (APU) and the Mauritian Society of Authors (MASA) are collaborating in the combat against piracy. The APU is mobilising officers to patrol across the country and sanction those involved in cases of infringement of rights of artists, composers and copyright holders.
In Mauritius, 6,865 people were tested positive for HIV as at June 2017, according to the NGO PILS. But estimates are of 8,000 people living with HIV.
Cela fait à peu près un an que la MBC a annoncé l’émission de Le Millionnaire. Il fallait investir gros dans des équipements et aussi un studio. On avait prévu que cette émission allait être lancée en décembre de cette année. Mais voilà que Rajesh Bhagwan s’intéresse à ce projet. Il demandera au Premier ministre mardi des détails au sujet de ce programme.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Mauritius has unanimously decided to maintain the Key Repo Rate at 3.50 per cent per annum at its meeting today.
The MPC noted that global economic activity has continued to strengthen in the second half of 2017 amid improved growth performance of some major economies, including Japan, China, and the Euro area as well as major commodity-exporting countries. The IMF, in its October 2017 Report on World Economic Outlook, has upgraded slightly its global growth forecasts to 3.6 per cent for 2017 and 3.7 per cent for 2018. Inflation has gained some traction globally in the second half of 2017 due to the pick-up in energy prices. Nonetheless, global inflation would remain moderate. Major central banks, with the exception of the Bank of the England, kept their policy rates unchanged but were moving prudently towards reducing their monetary stimulus packages in line with global economic recovery.
Headline inflation in Mauritius rose from 2.7 per cent in July 2017 to 3.4 per cent in October 2017. In contrast, year-on-year inflation decelerated from 5.3 per cent in July 2017 to 3.5 per cent in October 2017. Bank staff projects headline inflation at 3.6 per cent in 2017 and around 3.5 per cent in 2018, barring major shocks.
The domestic economy recorded stronger growth of 4.1 per cent in 2017Q2 compared to 3.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent, respectively, in 2017Q1 and 2016Q2. Investment spending increased significantly while export of goods continued to contract. Real GDP growth momentum is expected to be sustained on the back of accommodative monetary conditions, upbeat business confidence, and implementation of major public and private investment projects. Bank staff maintained forecasts of real GDP growth at market prices at 3.8 per cent in 2017 and 4.2 per cent in 2018, subject to the effective implementation of infrastructural projects.
The MPC members discussed lengthily on the implications of the introduction of the minimum wage policy and negative income tax in Mauritius. Members recognized that these initiatives are a major stride towards reforming the labour market.
The MPC decided to maintain the Key Repo Rate at 3.50 per cent with a view to continuing to support economic growth. The Committee will continue to exercise vigilance should there be a resurgence of inflationary pressures in the economy.