Seychelles-Vietnam business forum
30-August-2013
Seychelles and Vietnam are opening doors for each other, says Minister Adam
Seychelles and Vietnam which may seem on paper to be vastly different but offer each other an unparalleled complementarities, are opening doors for each other today in new and meaningful ways.
Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam said this yesterday morning in Hanoi when he opened the Seychelles-Vietnam business forum under the theme ‘Fostering Economic Partnerships’.
President James Michel attended the opening ceremony of the forum organised by the Seychelles’ non-resident ambassador to Vietnam Philippe Le Gal, the Seychelles Investment Board, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
The forum took place at the headquarters of the VCCI in Hanoi.
“We are two nations that defend our unique specificities while being open to world trade by harnessing globalisation as a force for development. We are two nations that believe in investing in our human resource development as a basis for economic growth. And we are also keenly aware of the potential of creating opportunities within our respective regions as a means to also open doors in the global arena,” said Minister Adam, who added that the Seychelles delegation was extremely impressed with the economic developments seen in Hanoi; the interesting blend of the old and the new; as well as the limitless energy with which the business community embraces each day – an energy which has seen it become one of the fast growing cities in the world.
The minister added that the forum is one step further to explore what Seychellois and Vietnamese can achieve together to promote further the vibrancy of Seychelles and Vietnam’s economic relations.
“Seychelles like Vietnam has gone through a socio-economic transformation in recent years. The global economic and financial crisis of 2008 has strengthened both our resolve to be more resilient through sound macroeconomic policies and sustainable growth. Our government has taken necessary steps to make Seychelles an ideal place for doing business and to encourage foreign direct investment in areas where the country needs it most.
“As a small island state, Seychelles is determined not to treat its small size as a liability, but rather as a strength. Our flexibility, and ability to act fast and decisively, are key attributes in this era where money can be transferred in minutes, and where global news and trends are updated around the clock,” he said, noting that Seychelles prides itself on its focus on sustainable development strategies as a key component of building sustainable long-term economic growth.
According to the VCCI, Seychelles which holds advantages in the fields of tourism, high-class services, banking and finance, has great opportunity to become one of the best destinations in Africa in the near future.
The forum was attended by leaders of government trade and investment agencies and businesses of Vietnam and Seychelles.
The speakers on Seychelles’ side were Seychelles Investment Board chief executive Rupert Simeon, Eden Island’s chief executive Craig Heeger, Air Seychelles marketing manager Sabrina Agathine, Seychelles Tourism Board regional manager Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Seychelles Fishing Authority deputy chief executive Roy Clarisse, and Seychelles Trading Company chief executive Veronique Laporte.
They used the forum to provide new and accurate information about Seychelles’ preferential policies, business and investment environment for Vietnamese businesses while at the same time create opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to meet and share experience and seek business cooperation opportunities with Seychelles.
This was the seventh international promotional event organised by the Seychelles Investment Board.
The three main corporate sponsors for this event were Eden Island Development Pty Ltd, Oceana Fisheries and Air Seychelles.
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