The organization puts people at the heart of economic strength

Faced with a challenging economic climate, Medef Réunion is relying on the island’s inhabitants and their diversity to strengthen businesses and expand their international reach.

“Reunion Island’s greatest asset lies in the women and men who make up the territory,” declared Kathy Hoarau, President of Medef Réunion, during her New Year’s address to the press.

For her, the island’s cultural mix is not just a heritage, but a collective strength to be valued. This diversity represents a true strategic advantage for local businesses, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.

Medef presented a roadmap focused on economic strength. “The goal is to transform imposed resilience into proactive robustness, reduce structural weaknesses, create more value within the territory, and develop trade with mainland France, Europe, and neighboring countries,” she stated.

According to Kathy Hoarau, people remain the primary driver of the economy. This reality is essential for valuing local skills and strengthening businesses’ ability to collaborate with diverse partners. Cultural diversity thus becomes a tangible advantage, enabling Réunion-based companies to better position themselves regionally and internationally.

Furthermore, the department aims to move from analysis to action. A think tank will be relaunched to develop concrete proposals, tailored to the territory’s needs, in strategic sectors such as energy, agri-food, and healthcare.

Finally, the organization is focusing on regional expansion. The approach will be gradual, extending from Mauritius and Mayotte to East Africa, India, and Asia. The organization also seeks to strengthen economic and social dialogue by explaining financial mechanisms in simple terms and training young leaders to engage in public debate.