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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

Foreign minister hails islands’ resilience and innovative spirit |13 March 2012

Foreign minister hails islands’ resilience and innovative spirit

Minister Adam addressing guests at the dinner

Mr Adam was speaking to members of the Mauritian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) at its annual gala dinner in Mauritius on Saturday evening.

The Seychellois minister spoke of the strength of small island states in the Indian Ocean and the need to continually build on those strengths for the benefit of the region as a whole despite the challenges of being intrinsically linked to the global economy.

“In times of economic turbulence such as these, there is a tendency to write off smaller economies such as Mauritius and Seychelles.  There has been more than one economist that has staked his reputation on claims that neither country could be economically viable after independence... however, the resilience that both countries have displayed in the face of such turbulence, makes any such debate practically redundant,” said the minister.

“Nonetheless the concern that is ever present both for government and for the private sector is that our island economies are so intrinsically connected to the global economy, that either the euro-zone crisis, or the price of oil, is sure to bring about chaos and mayhem at any point... It is clear however, that any success that our respective islands have achieved is when the government and the private sector are able to work together effectively as partners.”

Minister Adam also spoke of Seychelles’ reform experience stating that “with every crisis, there is also an opportunity” and that now, when faced with worsening global conditions, the two islands must work together to ensure that they maximise those opportunities.

“As the world energy crisis persists, we will need to explore more options for renewable energy, and particularly economic models that make such energy viable. As the euro-zone crisis persists, we will have to be more innovative in our approach to tourism.  As commodity prices continue to increase around the world, we need to connect our islands more than ever before to bring about new opportunities for a new generation of traders and businessmen... But as long as our region continues to embrace innovation and share ideas, our potential will continue to shine through.”

Minister Adam was invited as the guest speaker at the annual dinner by the MCCI in the run-up to President James Michel’s visit to Mauritius as the Guest of Honour for the island’s 44th Independence Day.

During this visit, President Michel is also expected to sign a historic agreement with the Government of Mauritius demarcating the extended continental shelf claim between the two states.

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