It
was an immense pleasure to be there for a very special project which was launched
by both myself and my colleague Hon Von Mally in November 2011. For the first
time seaweed farming in natural conditions has been successfully demonstrated
in Mauritius and Rodrigues and I am given to understand that in some cases these
studies regarding the processing of the seaweeds are showing promising results.
The Government’s vision is to make of Mauritius, within the next ten years, a
nation fully conscious of its immense potential as an Ocean State. This is a
key channel through which we can advance economically to greater
prosperity. Today we are here to take
stock of the progress made on the seaweed farming project and on the potential
of a Seaweed processing industry in Mauritius and Rodrigues and you will agree
with me that such a project fits in the context of the Ocean Economy. I welcome
this effort towards innovation and a new local industry. This is a first step
in a new field. I wish good luck and success to all the institutions involved
in this exciting new endeavour.
