Jointly addressing regional challenges

Several government officials are participating in the first Chinese training program.

This program focuses on the governance of ocean management, including policies, regulations, and monitoring. The seminar, held at the Seychelles Maritime Academy, began on Monday, September 16, and will end on Tuesday, September 24.

This initiative is part of the Seychelles government’s proposal for international development cooperation. The Academy of International Business Officers (AIBO) and the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles are co-organizing the event.

In her opening speech at the symposium, China’s Ambassador to Seychelles, Lin Nan, highlighted the discussions and commitments made during the 19th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This cooperative relationship is comprehensive, covering many areas, including human resources and the blue economy. China welcomes new Seychellois students to study there. The ambassador also expressed her pleasure at seeing Chinese experts and educators coming to Seychelles to implement courses, thereby helping Seychelles strengthen its capacity in the blue economy.

Phillianne Ernesta, Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy, emphasized the importance of capacity building for Seychelles when discussing the « Joint Declaration on Cooperation for the Development of the Blue Economy between China and the Indian Ocean Region », published in December 2023 during the second China-Indian Ocean Forum. She stated that to tackle regional challenges and ensure stability and development jointly, all parties have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in marine development and promoting a sustainable blue economy.