Afro-Asian international expo opened |30 April 2016
The first Afro-Asian International Expo was opened yesterday to promote international manufacturers, exporters and importers and at the same to get exposure for their business.
The exhibition being organised by Rajasthan Works in collaboration with the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI) is expected to end on May 4.
SCCI chairman Wilson Nancy officially opened the expo during a short ceremony in the presence of the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, principal secretary (PS) for tourism Anne Lafortune, PS for culture Benjamine Rose, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the business community among other guests and exhibitors.
Mr Nancy said: “This is what the chamber is all about, bringing innovation from overseas so that these ideas from the businesses exposing their products here can generate some ideas for our local businesses to trigger the way they do business, the way they expose their exhibitions and also how to reach out to external countries.”
He also said on behalf of SCCI that they are very pleased to have Rajasthan Works working in partnership with them to showcase diversity in terms what business is about.
Minister St Ange said organising an event of this sort for the trade, the business community and the people of Seychelles is no easy feat.
He said while the “Carnival international de Victoria organised last weekend concentrated on getting visibility for Seychelles as well as offering something to the people of Seychelles at large, this one is slightly different as it is looking at putting money in the pockets of our own trading partners.”
The minister also said the people of Seychelles can look at new things as well as appreciate members of foreign and our own local trade community.
Director and events head of Rajasthan Works Anupam Jain said they usually organise international trade and cultural exhibitions but it is the first time this event is held in Seychelles and they are very excited.
“As far as the exhibition is concerned we have companies from India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Seychelles and Mauritius and they are all participating under one roof. We have such a wonderful variety of products such as jewelry, textiles, home furniture, cosmetics, handicrafts, shoes, food products and many more,’ he said.
He also noted there is a special food court where they offer Indian delicacies, sweets and snacks.
“If you want to enjoy with your family and friends during the weekend, you can enjoy a wonderful shopping at reasonable prices and they are all international products or you can have the Indian food and entertainment programme,” he added.
During the ceremony there was also a performance by famous illusionist magician Rajentra from India. Along with other entertainers, illusionist magician Rajentra will be performing at 12 noon, 3.30pm and 6.30pm every day.
Buses are also being dispatched from the main bus station to the NSC Hall at every hour until 8pm all throughout the days of the expo.
Jacques Joseph Claude is a producer of polyresin handicraft based in Bel-Air Rivière Sèche, Mauritius since 2000. His company, Jo Art Ltée, specialises in magnets, wall hangers, antique maps, key rings, snowballs and other souvenirs made out of polyresin.
Mr Claude said he has come to Seychelles to market his products and has customised his products for the tourism industry of Seychelles.
The accompanying photos were taking by Joena Meme.