China gives R145m and 5 ambulances |27 September 2012

An agreement for the donations was signed yesterday by the China’s Assistant Minister for Commerce Li Rongcan and Seychelles Health Minister Mitcy Larue, in a ceremony attended by among others the Chinese ambassador to Seychelles Shi Zhonjun, principal secretary for foreign affairs Maurice Loustau-Lalanne and the PS for health Veronique Laporte.

The technical cooperation agreement and the one for the five Yutong ambulances were signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ headquarters.

Mrs Larue expressed gratitude to China not only for yesterday’s donations but also for the previous ones.

“We are grateful that Seychelles has received assistance for 40 projects among which 36 have been completed,” said Mrs Larue, naming as examples the National Assembly building, the building of Au Cap school and the Anse Royale hospital.

She said the projects covered by yesterday’s agreements will be of great benefit to the people of Seychelles.

“I am delighted that my ministry is a beneficiary and that our ambulance fleet will be greatly enhanced with the addition of the five new ones,” she said, adding the ministry recognises the need for good mitigation efforts to prevent disaster, accidents and ill health.

She noted that despite the best of efforts, emergencies requiring response still arise.

“These ambulances will help us to respond faster and more effectively to emergencies throughout Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and we would therefore like to thank the Chinese government for this generous gesture which will bring added strength to our two countries’ economic and technical cooperation,” she said.

Mr Li said the RMB70 million will go to projects aimed at bolstering people’s well being.

“Although China and Seychelles are distant from each other we have enjoyed long-term friendship.
Over the years the Chinese government has given the financial assistance it can to Seychelles to help economic and social growth in this country,” he said, expressing hope that implementation of the projects covered in the agreements will bring early benefits to the people of Seychelles.

“It is also our best wish that the people of Seychelles can enjoy happier and healthier lives,” he said, wishing long life to the friendship between the two countries.