The PIC (Integrated Growth Poles) project in its phase 3 constitutes an economic transformation project for inclusive growth.
“ This is notably an initiative of the Malagasy government supported by the World Bank aimed at implementing the general State program and the Madagascar Emergence Plan (PEM). The objective of the project is to boost areas with high growth potential by stimulating the private sector and developing promising economic sectors such as agri-business, tourism and digital. As part of our interventions, we aim to increase the turnover of companies operating in these three growing sectors at the level of the twelve centers which are spread over nine regions. “. The National Coordinator of the PIC project, Rakotondrazaka Ladislas Adrien, mentioned this during his meeting with the press last week.
60% of the financing. Speaking of tourism in particular, “ The PIC project constitutes a real sign of the realization of the political will of the State to develop this sector. Indeed, all the interventions carried out by the project are proof of the determination of the public authorities to support the development of tourism. “, he continued. As an illustration, the project contributes to the realization of each edition of the International Tourism Fair of Madagascar (ITM), as a strategic and financial partner. “ For the 10e edition of the ITM combined with the 1era edition of the International Handicraft Fair of Madagascar (IHM), which was held last week at the CCI Ivato, the support of the PIC represents nearly 60% of the financing for the organization of this large-scale event which had a great success ”, according to his explanations.
Financial autonomy. In addition, the PIC project contributes to the promotion of the destination of its regions of intervention and starting from the Madagascar destination since its establishment in 2005, through support to the National Tourist Office of Madagascar and to the Regional Tourist Offices for the creation of this ITM exhibition and for participation in international exhibitions. We can cite, among others, the ITB trade fairs in Berlin, TOP RESA in Paris and WTM in London. “ We also support the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts in strengthening institutional governance both at the national and international level. The regional directorates of this ministerial department are at the same time supported in the formalization of establishments while ten Regional Tourism Offices are supported to have financial autonomy via the strengthening of the control of tourist stickers », would like to specify Ladislas Adrien Rakotondrazaka.
Infrastructure rehabilitation. Afterwards, ” the implementation of the Miatrika program made it possible to train more than 7,000 tourism workers and 2,000 guides to professionalize “, he said. That’s not all! The PIC project continues the diversification of tourism products after the promotion and development of sites such as Tsingy Rouge in Diégo and Pirates Island in Sainte-Marie. The project also contributed to the rehabilitation of the first Catholic church in Madagascar located in Sainte-Marie as well as the inclusion of this historic building in the UNESCO world heritage list. The project involves at the same time the rehabilitation of road infrastructure such as the urban roads of Nosy-Be, the roads leading to the Montagne d’Ambre Park and the access tracks to Manambato and Ambila Lemaitso. This will facilitate access to tourist sites. The rehabilitation of the Manangareza river station in Toamasina as well as the continuation of the supply of drinking water to tourist centers are not to be outdone. “ After product diversification and site development, we are setting up a management system and a governance framework for these sites for their sustainability while contributing to their promotion at the international level. “, he mentioned.
In addition, flagship niche products such as kitesurfing, cruising and crafts are being developed. He also wishes to emphasize that the project has an integrated approach to supporting the tourism sector which has a transversal aspect. For illustration, “ the PIC intervenes in the improvement of land, maritime and air connectivity as well as in the improvement of the business environment through support for EDBM in order to attract investors in the sector “, he added. Madagascar National Parks is also supported in improving tourism offers, without forgetting support for young tourism entrepreneurs through the Miary Tourisme program.
Navalona R.
