Seychelles takes part in 1st China-Africa Expo |06 July 2019
Ambassador Loustau-Lalanne, Ambassador Vivienne Fock-Tave and representatives of SIB and ESA attending the opening ceremony of the 1st China-Africa Expo and Seminar on China-Africa Bilateral Trade Promotion
Seychelles joined 53 other African countries to participate in the first-ever China-Africa and Trade Expo in the city of Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China, between June 24 and 27, 2019.
Launched under the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, this exhibition aimed to establish a new mechanism for economic and trade cooperation between China and African countries.
The Seychelles delegation was headed by the Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne and principal secretary in the department of Investment, Michael Nalletamby.
Also attending were members from the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB), Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA), Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) as well as Globarom representing the private sector.
The official opening of the expo took place on Thursday June 27 and was open to Chinese high-government officials including the Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Qishan, as well as the professional delegates participating in the exhibition.
On Friday June 28 and Saturday June 29, large crowds visited Seychelles’ booth. Aside from attracting interest from potential Chinese tourists, the Seychelles booth attracted potential investors in manufacturing, fisheries and tourism, as well as companies looking to establish trade partnerships for products such as textiles, food and drink products, and ornamental horticulture. It is estimated that this event attracted over 10,000 guests, traders and visitors.
The Seychelles delegation also had the privilege of visiting the Changsha National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone.
“The 1st China-Africa Expo showcased the importance that China gives to the African continent and its commitment towards ensuring a win-win partnership for both parties. The Chinese market is very important to the growth of the economy of Seychelles in terms of trade, investment and tourism. We look forward for a positive outcome from this first expo and encourage more private sector participation for the next one which will be held in two years,” said deputy chief executive of SIB, Lenny Gabriel.