Better productivity needed in face of globalization – minister |04 May 2005

Minister Dugasse made the call while opening a day-long Labour Day conference held at the International Conference Centre on Friday.

“In an era of globalization neither government nor the private sector can afford to ignore the importance of productivity, for the country’s socio-economic prosperity depends on it,” he said.

The minister said he believed there were “tremendous avenues” for improving the productivity level in Seychelles, but warned that it would take a change in mindset and work ethos, “from one where I will get paid irrespective whether I produce or not to one where my pay is commensurate with the level of my productivity.”

The conference was held under the theme “Strategies to increase productivity for economic growth and our children’s future.” In his speech Minister Dugasse noted that 75 percent of the more than 2,000 registered job seekers in Seychelles are considered youths.

Attended by ministers, diplomats and representatives of local unions, the conference allowed for several presentations from different stakeholders on productivity.

“Productivity is the point where human skills and interests, technology, management, social and business environments all converge to create more value for consumers, workers, employers and society at large,” Minister Dugasse said.

He added that it would be up to the conference participants to propose a clear and measurable set of strategies on how to increase productivity nationally, “strategies you will be called upon to implement in your respective organisations later on this year.”
The strategies are also expected to be studied by the Department of Employment.