The forum, organised by the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB) in close collaboration with various public and private partnerships, was held at the Husa President Park Hotel from October 20-22. 

SIB chief executive Sherin Renaud said the event was a milestone “as it was the first time an investment forum had been organised at such a high level and with such prominence”.  

The opening dinner, hosted by Minister for Investment, Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon, was attended by Belgian Defence Minister Pieter De Crem and Jan De Nul, president of De Nul International, among other special guests.

In his address, Mr Sinon said: “Your presence at this auspicious event reaffirms our conviction that following a set of successful socio-economic and financial reforms beginning in 2008, it is now the right time to engage you as partners in win-win solutions as we continue to create an enabling environment to do business in Seychelles.”

Recognising the importance of the media to Seychelles in its ongoing marketing campaign, the Seychelles Tourism Board launched its special programme Friends of Seychelles – Press at the forum.

At the opening dinner, Mr Sinon presented certificates to those taking part in the forum and also received the first copy of the Seychelles Investment Guide from Mrs Renaud.

The forum was attended by more than 100 delegates from across Europe, with investment interest in almost every sector being promoted.

While the strength of Seychelles’ economy remains in its tourism and fisheries developments, the Seychellois delegates stresssed that conditions are right for the country to resume a path of growth. 

They acknowledged the need to reach out to investors and to consider new avenues as fresh markets are explored to diversify the economy, in line with one of the main goals of the reforms – to reduce the role of the state and encourage more private sector activities. 

The panel of speakers included the chief executives of Air Seychelles, the Islands Development Company and the Seychelles International Business Authority, the principal secretary in the Ministry of Land Use and Housing, the deputy chief executives of the Seychelles Fishing Authority and Central Bank of Seychelles, and top management from private companies such as the Desroches Island Resort, MWBrands, Eden Island and Sterling Offshore.

Delegates presented investment opportunities in the financial, aquaculture, tourism, island development, energy and agricultural sectors, to name just a few. The main aim was to give potential investors adequate information on Seychelles, its investment opportunities and its business and economic climate.
 
The delegates also spoke of the political stability in Seychelles, the legislative, administrative and investment framework and the recent important changes in its economic landscape, saying Seychelles now has the potential to become the most sought-after destination for investment.

The presence of other local investors and agencies with a direct interest in investment also provided a direct and effective platform for potential international investors to learn more about Seychelles’ business opportunities.
 
Mrs Renaud said the SIB intends to host a similar forum early next year for the local business community, as there are projects where it will encourage local involvement or partnerships between local and foreign investors. 

On the international front, similar forums are being planned in South Africa, London and Asia next year, with a specific sector focus for each of the areas.