We are assembled here today to set the agenda for the new Economy and lay the foundation for an E-Mauritius. The new economy is built around the convergence of Information and Communication Technology. We are stepping out of the industrial society into the information society, which is driven by knowledge and knowledge sharing. The new economy is reshaping a lot of things including mindsets, attitudes and lifestyle. This is occasioned by personal computers use, high speed networking and widespread online communication facilities.
Nobody can remain insensitive.
In order to meet the challenges of the New Economy-governments all over the world, are establishing New Economy Policy Frameworks. Businesses are forced to embrace new practices and societies are adopting new attitudes. We in Mauritius are faced with the challenge of creating a progressive economic policy framework, that will support and foster continued adaptation, including policies that lead to a fully digitalized economy, characterized by continuous high levels of innovation and a highly educated and skilled workforce. Our new innovative-oriented policy framework, will rest on five pillars. Investment in education, training and technological research.