The meeting in New York was part of ongoing efforts to make private sector overseas partners and potential investors aware of the openings available in Seychelles following the successful introduction of ground-breaking economic reforms in 2008.

This first forum of its kind was launched on Wednesday as a joint initiative between the government and the private sector to further unlock the potential of the Seychelles economy.

In his speech to launch the meeting, Mr Faure said: “As a country, Seychelles has seized the challenges placed before it by the world financial crisis and created the opportunity to restructure its economy much more competitively.”

The Seychelles team that presented the event followed up on his invitation for potential investors to “rediscover the Seychelles islands”.  They were led by Peter Sinon, Minister for Investment, Natural Resources and Industry, and backed by the Seychelles Investment Bureau and its chief executive Sherin Renaud, who will be organising a series of other forums around the world to tell potential partners of the opportunities available.

There were also presentations by the Central Bank, the Seychelles International Business Authority and Eden Island, represented by bank governor Pierre Laporte, Siba chief executive Steve Fanny and Eden Island chief executive Craig Heeger.

Mr Faure pointed out that tourism is the key ingredient in Seychelles’ success story, and there are many opportunities in the sector for diversification of products, such as through the first International Carnival of Victoria, to be held in March 2011.

Seychelles Tourism Board chief executive Alain St Ange also attended the event to share his vision for this most important of industries with potential investors.
The forum was organised with the support of Justin Etzin, Seychelles’ new consul general in California.

Mr Faure ended by saying: “It is important in this time of increased global competition for Seychelles to be pro-active and explain clearly to our potential partners what we can offer. 

“Seychelles has a lot to offer, and we must tap into this potential to be able to deliver a better life for all our citizens.

 We need to continue to promote quality investment to pass on increased benefits to the Seychellois people.
“This first forum has set up a platform which is very encouraging for Seychelles.”