This was during Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan’s official visit to President James Michel at State House.

He was accompanied by Fu Ziying, Vice-Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, who afterwards signed the agreements with Seychelles’ Foreign Affairs Minister Jean- Paul Adam.

Mr Michel’s cabinet of ministers were also there during the ceremony, as well as the Chinese ambassador to Seychelles Wang Weiguo.

Mr Adam said under an economic and technical agreement with China, Seychelles will benefit from a grant for 50 million yuan (around US $8 million).

“This grant will be used for the Glacis school project and also for housing projects at Les Mamelles and the Corgate Estate at Mont Fleuri,” he said.

He added that Mr Wang Weiguo has already visited the Les Mamelles district, and more details about these projects will be given later.

Through the second accord, Seychelles will get two surveillance planes to help us in the fight against piracy and to guard our territory.

Mr Adam said these planes, requested by the Seychelles government, will arrive here in a few months.

“These agreements come as a result of the active economic diplomacy by Mr Michel and the good cooperation we have with the Chinese government,” he said.

Mr Michel has made several visits to China and his meetings have been very fruitful for Seychelles, he added.

“China is the second biggest economy in the world and Seychelles is proud to be associated with such a country,” said Mr Adam.

He added that later on, Seychelles may benefit from further cooperation with the Chinese government in the field of renewable energy.