Seychelles launches TOAM platform to facilitate trade obstacles resolution |01 March 2023

Delegates and guests in a souvenir photograph after the launch ceremony (Photo: Laura Pillay)

Economic operators engaged in the trade sector can now access a new platform to facilitate trade obstacles resolution, with the launch of the Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism (TOAM) Seychelles.

The TOAM is an online platform and a mobile application through which companies are connected with relevant government agencies such as the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA) and Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), allowing them to exchange information about the trade obstacles they face.

Through the institutional network, economic operators such as importers and exporters can report challenges and obstacles to the national focal point, the Trade department of the Ministry of Finance, National Planning & Trade who will review and publish a report as well as forwarding the report to the competent authority for deeper analysis. Once the authority communicates to the Trade department the response, the information is passed on to the economic actors within 2 weeks.

During the launch of the TOAM at Eden Bleu hotel yesterday morning, the Minister for Finance, National Planning & Trade, Naadir Hassan, said the platform is an essential step in the implementation of government’s digitalisation strategy. The platform will allow for easy and speedy action between policy makers and the industry in resolving issues which are deemed detrimental to trade facilitation.

“This is in line with government’s ambition to enhance trade facilitation, promote inter-agency dialogue, and improve public-private sector discussions, through further digitalisation. We are grateful for the benefits that Seychelles will realise with the use of TOAM, especially to provide government with timely updates on issues being faced by the industry,” the minister said.

“It is through this mechanism that companies will remain up to date with information on trade rules and procedure,” he added.

The minister also conveyed gratitude to the International Trade Centre (ITC) for supporting the development and launching of the mechanism in Seychelles, as well as other stakeholders involved with its implementation.

He appealed to stakeholders to actively make use of the platform towards transforming the local business environment, and making Seychelles an attractive trade destination.

According to ITC market analyst, Vianney Lesaffre, the platform was officially launched in 2014, and has since been adopted by some 70 plus countries.

Agencies in Seychelles who can be accessed through the system also include the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship & Industry; the Ministry of Transport; Ministry of Tourism; as well as the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Investment (SCCI), among others.

An inter-agency committee is to be established by the ministry to ensure that the complaints are addressed in a timely manner.

The committee is to be formalised in the coming weeks with the signing of an inter-agency agreement.

A sensitisation campaign geared towards both the public and private sector is also set to kick off soon, to encourage proper use of the platform, Mr Lesaffre added.

At present, challenges and obstacles are reported to the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB), noted senior trade officer within the department of Trade.

Members of the public will also be able to access an annual report based on the economy’s performance. Resolutions and solutions to obstacles will also be accessible to anyone who uses the platform, although the economic operator’s identity will remain confidential once they submit a challenge.

The platform can be accessed on www.tradeobstacles.ord/seychelles. Registration to the TOAM platform is 100 percent free, and anyone can sign up to be alerted to ongoing obstacles and solutions for the market services.

Following the official launch yesterday, the platform is to be presented to small and medium enterprises and private sector stakeholders throughout a session to be held at Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove today.

Laura Pillay