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Maquettes du port d'Ehoala par la société Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals
DISCOURS DE SON EXCELLENCE RAVALOMANANA
PRESIDENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DE MADAGASCAR
POSE DE LA PREMIERE PIERRE DES TRAVAUX PORTUAIRES D'EHOALA
Excellences,
Honorables Invités,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Je suis content d'être parmi vous aujourd'hui, car le rêve, pour certains, devient réalité pour nous. En effet, il y a au moins trente ans, beaucoup de gens pensaient que la projet d'extraction d'ilménite de cette région ne verrait jamais le jour.
Cependant, grâce à la mise en œuvre de la politique du partenariat public-privé (3P), et à la politique économique de l'État malagasy, les investisseurs internationaux nous font confiance. La preuve en est la réalisation du chantier de construction de ce nouveau port.
Ce nouveau port d'Ehoala constitue une infrastructure majeure. Sa création dans la région de l'Anosy montre la ferme volonté de l'État malagasy de relever le Défi 1 de l'Engagement 2 du MAP, qui consiste à "Accorder la priorité aux infrastructures de développement pour les pôles de croissance".
Je réitère ici la détermination de l'État malagasy à rénover ses infrastructures de manière à assurer le désenclavement, afin de vaincre l'isolement de beaucoup de régions pour ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives économiques au pays.
En outre, le port d'Ehoala jouera un rôle important sur le plan régional, dans la mesure où sa position géographique se trouve sur la route des échanges Europe-Afrique du Sud-Océan Indien-Asie.
Par conséquent, j'invite tous les responsables aussi bien de la Société du Port d'Ehoala SA que les techniciens et les autres responsables nationaux à redoubler d'efforts et à travailler ensemble pour que ce port réponde aux besoins du commerce national, bien sûr, mais aussi régional et international.
Mesdames et Messieurs, je vous remercie.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today I would like to congratulate QMM for the progress you have made. The beginning of this port is an indication of your hard work, persistence, and commitment.
Twenty years ago many people thought that the QMM Ilmenite project would never succeed. At times, things have gone very slow. But since I became President, my Government has been committed to helping you to break down the barriers and speed up the process.
I would also like to thank those who have partnered with QMM to help develop this region. In particular, I want to thank the regional authorities, the World Bank, USAID, and the PIC. I also want to thank the Daiho company. You have all done a remarkable job, and your efforts are appreciated. The success of what we see today is a result of Public, Private Partnership. It is an example of the government, business, donors and NGOs working together to turn a dream into a reality.
QMM is one of the largest investors in Madagascar and this port will be very important to help the region and all of Madagascar develop more rapidly.
The private sector is the engine of economic development. As the President of Madagascar I have always promoted investment and supported the private sector. In the MAP we have stated that we are committed to a high growth economy. Mining is an essential activity to generate a high growth economy and produce jobs and revenue for the nation.
QMM has already produced many jobs in Fort Dauphin and contributed to the economic growth of the region. I want you to continue your good work.
We have also seen many large, medium and small companies come to this region and invest. There is a lot of economic activity here. But I would like to encourage more local people to become entrepreneurs and create businesses so that you too can participate in this exciting and dynamic period.
There must be open and free competition in order to build hotels, start tourism businesses, and provide services to QMM and other large companies.
To the local people I say - don't just be observers. Don't just wait for QMM to do things for you. Be creative, show initiative and be willing to invest in your own business projects. Show other Malagasy that you can be successful in business. This is important for our national pride.
At this time, let me say something about how big mining companies and the private sector can contribute to the rapid development of Madagascar.
First and foremost, large companies must help the local community to benefit from their activities. In particular, mining companies must work closely with local leaders to address the problems of poverty, the environment, unemployment, disease, and assist in the creation of a strategy for sustainable regional development.
75% of the Malagasy people live in rural and coastal areas. They work in farming or fishing. In order to develop, they need schools and professional training. They need doctors and health centers. Large mining companies should reach out to the local community to help them with their problems and challenges.
Large companies have the knowledge and the resources that can be shared with others. Their challenge is to make a real difference and to be a real partner. They must be sensitive to the local conditions, and they must listen to the local people. And, they should include them in the problem solving and decision making process related to the development of the community.
Mining companies must also respect the environment. The seventh commitment of the MAP is to cherish the environment. In Madagascar our environment is very fragile. Our oceans and our land contain some of the world's most unique species. As we have seen in many parts of the world, mining activities have hurt the environment. We will not accept this in Madagascar.
All mining companies must take responsibility for leaving the land, the rivers, and the ocean in good condition. They must involve NGOs, the Government, and local communities in monitoring progress on protecting the environment.
Outside of Antananarivo, this region is the fastest growing region in Madagascar. There is a lot of investment here. There are many donor projects here. There are many NGOs working here. Many tourists are now coming to enjoy the beautiful beaches and mountains. The port will create many new economic opportunities. This region will be the hub of so much activity. It is of strategic importance to the nation.
Because the area is so important, I would like to encourage the local people to take advantage of the opportunities. To succeed, you must change some of your thinking, behavior, and habits. You need to clean your beaches, clean your streets, and take responsibility for your villages and towns. Take pride in your homes, your culture, and your region. Be proud to be Malagasy. And, be an example to others.
QMM is the first large mining company to invest in Madagascar. This has been an experiment for them, for the Government, and the community. I am pleased to say that so far QMM has done a very good job.
You are listening to the people and working with them. The World Bank, USAID, and others are active partners in helping the community deal with the complex challenges that they face. Schools and health centers are being built, jobs are being created, and new roads and bridges can be seen all through the area. We will continue to help you develop.
I want QMM to be the example to all other large mining companies who want to invest here. I want you to continue to promote care for the environment. And I want you to show other companies how to partner with the local community for rapid and sustainable development.
I congratulate you, and I wish you continued success.
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