He then visited its stands in the transformed conference hall, accompanied by First Lady Natalie Michel, Vice-President Danny Faure, ministers and other guests.

Also present were former President James Mancham, speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie, chief justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende and former Vice-President Joseph Belmont.

They were shown around by the executive director of the expo Gilbert Pool.

At the opening ceremony, young people gave their views on what they believe Seychelles will be like in 2020.

Mr Michel said we are about to embark on a journey into the future and described Seychelles2020 Expo as a unique experience and an event that will transform our country and people in the journey towards the new Seychelles.

“Today we shall touch the future! Touch the Future: this is our theme. It encapsulates a vision. It is a vision of where and how we want our country to be by the beginning of the next decade,” he said.

He said the vision is a compelling one, of empowerment for every Seychellois.

“It is a vision of progress and prosperity for our youth and children. It is a vision, ambitious in its scope but realistic and achievable.”

Mr Michel said in 2004 we embarked on a new stage of development aimed at creating a new Seychelles and we are now consolidating this enterprise and project which we started together.

The exhibition shows what we can achieve when we take ownership of our future, he said, adding inspiration alone is not enough unless it is combined with necessary action to bring results.

He said all we are doing requires proper planning and the capacity to overcome challenges as well as initiative to get possible solutions.

Giving his impression of the expo, Mr Michel recalled how he came up with the vision for it which he shared with technicians to allow Seychellois enter and touch the future.

“Today when I saw the expo for the first time I was amazed,” he said, calling it the start of a real journey and not just a dream.

He said the project shows us how we can be part of the future development of the country.

Mr Michel was particularly happy with the sections showing how reclaimed land is being used. He said the land is offering opportunities for more houses, businesses and guest houses among other projects. These, he said, will allow us to take ownership of the economy, culture the environment and other treasures that will boost our pride in the ownership of the country.

“This is what I am offering the people of Seychelles through this door that I have now opened for them to build a new Seychelles for the future,” he said.

Accompanying the article are some of the photos taken by our photographers Patrick Joubert and Joena Bonnelame of guests viewing some of the displays in the Seychelles2020 Expo, which will run until April 6.