SCCI visits Praslin and La Digue businesses |19 February 2018

In 2018, the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) is striving to reinvent itself and will go from strength to strength to remain relevant and consistent in its mandate, i.e. working for the benefits of entrepreneurs while

significantly contributing to the economy.

The institution aims to lives up to its new Mission Statement which is: ‘To serve as the voice of the private sector and advocate to pursue economic growth and excellence through strong leadership, collaboration and unity.’

With this mindset the SCCI visited some Praslin businesses including the Praslin Business Association and chairperson of the Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association (SHTA).

On La Digue, the SCCI met representatives from the business community.

On both islands discussions centered on how to best to work together and a key understanding of the strategy of the SCCI for 2018. The theme of discussion centered on the current state of the SCCI, where it is going and what can the SCCI do for them as potential members.

On La Digue, the acting chairman of SCCI, Oliver Bastienne, once more echoed exactly what he said on Mahé when he launched the strategy for the SCCI recently at La Plage restaurant at Beau Vallon:

“Politics, self-interest and cartels must be removed if we are to have a Chamber that represents each and every one of us in the private sector. From a young entrepreneur starting business to large entities advocating for fairer and more efficient structures to ensure sustainable profitability, the association of local young farmers looking to grow, to a company manufacturing quality local products for trade and finally to our artists that use nature to undertake commerce and promote the wonderful gifts that the creator has blessed all of us with. This is why we are currently undertaking work to formalise a fairer and more transparent manner to elect council members including the chairman.”

He also noted that this Chamber is not called the Mahé Chamber or the Praslin Chamber or the La Digue Chamber. “It is called the Seychelles Chamber. Therefore it represents all of you, yes all of you,” he stressed.

Key items that were discussed on both islands are summarised thus (these reflect the views of the businesses and the mere fact more discussion needs to be done for formalised views of the SCCI):

1. Clarity of the strategic direction of the country as we move forward. This is critical for future local investments in key sectors and projects for the country. Need for stronger policies that should be restricted for Seychellois;

2. Need to understand the impact of WTO accession and what the benefit is for us;

3. Ease of doing business should not be fundamentally focused on ranking but should encompass ease of doing business for startups and businesses already set up;

4. The issues centered on the artisan sector and the formulation of a key strategy for the sector;

5. How the hospitality industry and the local music and artisan industry could work better collaboratively;

6. Central Bank and banks to visit both Praslin and La Digue for presentation on

economy. Financial institutions should consider reviewing certain policies such as fees and personal contribution to the loan;

7. Having more SCCI events on both islands rather than only on Mahé. These include training, networking events and breakfast meetings;

8. Cost of doing business on Praslin and La Digue and potential measures that could bring it down such as the provision of concession on fuel for cargo transportation. PUC to consider allowing 100% renewable energy generation for businesses;

9. Need for discussion of current GOP procedures and Employment ACT. The businesses felt that they did not feel that the government considered the views of both islands. They urge the SCCI to do better in encompassing the views of both Praslin and La Digue in consultation;

10. Protection of the local artisan trade especially with regards to less expensive items bought from overseas;

11. Issues around security and the potential relaxation of quota of expatriates for security;

12. Businesses expressed their disappointment with the SCCI as they have not felt that they have been included and that they should be doing better to include the important views of both Praslin and La Digue.

Office of the Councillors

Seychelles Chamber of Commerce & Industry