The Mauritius Employers' Federation suggests that priority at this juncture should be to maintain support to the economy while crafting a return to the path of sustainable growth.

In its  Budget 2010 proposals submitted to the Finance Minister, MEF lays  emphasis on the general macroeconomic policy orientation; infrastructure; SME development; education and training; structural unemployment; corporate social responsibility; and the establishment of a flexible regulatory framework that is conducive to private pension provision.

The MEF proposals with regards to SMEs are as follows: Maintain financial support mechanisms for SMEs; Ensure information about relevant Government support measures, schemes and programmes are well disseminated; Enhance the capacities of institutions providing advice and guidance to SMEs; Promote access of SMEs to public tenders and Government procurement, for instance by simplifying the procedures and breaking down bids into smaller components; Establish an enterprise modernisation programme to allow SMEs to benefit inter alia from technical and financial assistance for investing in new technology and IT systems, improving methods of production, implementing quality management systems and adopting modern management practices.

It further says the Mix of Work and Training scheme should be maintained. There should be an outreach strategy to increase awareness among enterprises particularly SMEs and the relevant procedures should be kept simple in order to encourage employers to take advantage of this important measure. Moreover, the administration costs of the Mix of Work and Training scheme should be kept at a minimum.

MCCI  proposals
The Mauritius
Chamber of Commerce and Industry recommends that the 'exit strategy' of the Additional Stimulus Package should be entertained with a lot of caution. “There is  a wide consensus on the fact that the recovery will be weak and there are still risks of temporary setbacks,” it says.
The MCCI also recommends that the National ASP Steering Committee becomes a permanent feature of the public-private sector partnership although its appellation, composition and workings might be reviewed has been instrumental in preventing several business closures, saving jobs and mitigating the adverse impact of the recession on the Mauritian economy.

Taxpayers claim
The Mauritius Tax Payers Association is asking for  a complete revision of the whole taxation system.  “ Income Tax, NRPT Tax, VAT and taxation of Bank Savings should all be reviewed . In their present form,  they exert too much pressure on taxpayers,” says Sandragassen Rungasawmy of the MTP.
 
The MTPA proposes that the ceiling for payment be reviewed vertically and that Income tax payers be divided in three categories as follows:
l Category A – those with no dependent – from Rs 240,00 to Rs 325,000
l Category B – with one dependent – Rs 350,000 to Rs 435,000
l Category C – with two dependents – Rs 410,000 to Rs 495,000
l Category D – with three dependents – Rs 450,000 to Rs 535,000
l Category E – pensioner with no dependent – Rs 285,000 to Rs 370,000 and
l Category F – pensioner with one dependent -Rs 395,000 to Rs 480,000
The MTPA is proposing that the ceiling for payment of the NRPT be increased from Rs 385,000 to Rs 435,000.

It also  urges for the introduction of a new savings allowance in order to encourage savings through life, pension and medical schemes.