Seychelles delegation in China for development opportunities

Mr. Naadir Hassan, Minister of Finance, National Planning and Ms. Devika Vidot, Minister of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, recently concluded a working mission to China, from March 23 to 29, 2024.

In Beijing, meetings were held with Huawei, a Chinese information, communications and technology company, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). During these meetings, they discussed how Seychelles could potentially benefit from assistance in implementing its digitalization strategy, upgrading its ICT infrastructure and improving internet connectivity in Seychelles.

During the meeting with CIDCA representatives, the delegation expressed its appreciation for the various infrastructure and capacity building projects that China has implemented in Seychelles over the years. During the meetings, both parties agreed that improving air connectivity would boost trade and tourism cooperation between Seychelles and China.

They also discussed the possible conclusion of a sister city agreement between the city of Chengdu and Victoria to facilitate cultural, sports, educational and people-to-people exchanges between the two cities. During the mission, the ministerial delegation also assisted the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) in its meetings with suppliers of non-perishable and perishable goods. These meetings are part of the government’s national objective to contain the cost of living. They also met with suppliers of alternative building materials that the government hopes to acquire and introduce into the market to meet the country’s construction needs.