2015 national show proves ‘Seychelles is on the move’ |30 June 2015
The high number of businesses which took part in the 3rd national show has confirmed that Seychelles is on the move with a strong economy and that people are using the opportunities that have been created as a result to do business and generate wealth.
President James Michel made this remark after he had toured the stalls in the 3rd national show at Roche Caiman and the 1st boat show at Eden Island Marina North early Saturday afternoon.
Following the opening of the show at the NSC hall earlier that morning, President Michel took time to visit the different stalls and talked to the various entrepreneurs.
President Michel said the large number of participation and innovation seen in the different products and services on display is proof that our people are seizing the opportunities to create wealth.
“It shows that our people are ready to brave the challenges and take ownership of their country’s economy to make it move forward,” President Michel said.
Congratulating and thanking all those who took part in the show, President Michel commended the private sector whose large participation he said illustrates the remarkable partnership with government.
“The private sector is the driver of the national show and this is very healthy,” the President stressed.
Commenting on the first boat show President Michel said it is another important wealth generating and job creation aspect of our economy which has been highlighted.
He said it clearly shows the good working partnership between the private sector and the government which has created a great opportunity for people of all walks of life to discover yachts and other vessels which form an integral part of the Blue economy.
“The private sector and the government should continue to work together to make Seychelles a yachting centre in the Indian Ocean. We have the capacity to do that,” President Michel stressed.
It was Vice-President Danny Faure, who is also the chairperson of the National Celebrations Committee, who officially opened the 2015 national show in the presence of a large group of distinguished guests and government officials.
He said the show showcases the resilience of businesses of all sizes in the ever changing socio-economic environment.
He went on to point out that a clear example of the above mentioned change is illustrated in the trends observed in the 2013 household budget survey carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics which showed that as living conditions improved household changed their spending patterns based on their priorities.
He pointed out that over the last five years since the 1st national show there has been a remarkable increase in the number of new businesses which cater for the new demands, noting the large participation of 27% of the trade and commerce sector followed by the service sector with 20% in the show .
“Participants from commercial entities, government departments and agencies, civil societies and individuals are promoting new products, services and programmes aimed at addressing many of the emerging challenges we are facing as a result of the changes in the socio-economic environment,” Vice-President Faure said.
Thanking all those taking part in the show for “their enthusiasm and strong sense of national pride”, Vice-President Faure added that this national show is also about optimism for the future.
“It will motivate and inspire us to take our beloved country to the next level of its development.
The national show provided a platform for entrepreneurs -- small, medium and large -- to showcase, market and sell their products and services and it was also a great source of discovery and entertainment for people of all ages who converged on Stad Linite and Eden Island Marina North for the great attractions from June 27 to June 29.
The organisers have remarked that the first national show in 2010 and the 2nd in 2003 were at a lower scale compared to this year’s which has been organised to mark the first time the National Day is celebrated on June 29 which is Independence Day.
The coordinator of the national show, Michel Vielle, said this year’s show had 217 businesses of all sizes taking part compared to 203 in 2013, an increase of 7% in participation.
For his part the chairperson of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Marco Francis said the show reflected the result of the bold decision the country took in 2008 to transform the economy into a private sector-leading economy where the government took its role as a facilitator and the private sector as the engine of the economy.
Mr Francis noted that Seychelles today has the most sustainable and robust economy in Africa which is the envy of many nations.
“The exhibition showcased and brought to life the achievements of the private sector, as well as their products and services to the people,” Mr Francis pointed out, adding that it is also proof that today in Seychelles there is room for everybody who is willing to work hard to do business.
Maria Sullivan, a small entrepreneur herself who spoke on behalf of her counterparts, confirmed Mr Francis’ views.
“We are blessed to have the opportunity to do business in such a warm and friendly environment,” she said, thanking the government and everyone who have made this possible.
She encourages everybody especially the young people to dream big, work hard, take the risk, use their creativity and innovation to create wealth for themselves, their families and their county.
She however noted that challenges are many but can be overcome through determination, hard work and the desire to succeed.
The accompanying photographs show guests and the general public visiting the various stalls at the national and boat shows.
