Ceps’ members learn more aboutforthcoming economic reform programme |29 July 2021
Ceps’ members and representatives during yesterday’s meeting with the ministry of finance and CBS representatives
Members and representatives of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles yesterday had the opportunity to learn more about the economic reform programme the government will soon embark on with support from International Monetary Fund.
This was during an interactive discussion and awareness meeting led by key officials from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, and the Central Bank of Seychelles held at the ICCS.
Chief executive of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps), Alvin Lawrence noted that the meeting is the first of a series of meetings that Ceps will organise for the population to get more detailedinformation on the economic reform programme.
“We are starting our first consultation with our different associations where the members are receiving all the details from the ministry of finance which they can latershare with their respective members.After that they will also give us their feedback so that we can submit the civil society and the public views and concerns to the government,” Mr Laurence said.
He added that such consultations and exchange of views are important as an economic reformcan never be successful without the engagement of the public.
“Public engagement is so important, as pertinent issues that directly touch the people and impact their lives are raised. That is why we are getting all members of the public to get involved in the discussions. Already Ceps is receiving various concerns from some of its members. Consultation is not a choice. We have to do it so that we ensure that the citizens’concerns are brought forward,” said Mr Laurence.
Members present were able to share their views and ask for clarifications where needed.
Following this consultative meeting, Ceps is encouraging all its different member organisations to go towards their respective members to share the information they have received.
Similar meetings are also being planned to be held on Praslin and La Digue.
To recall, Seychelles and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a Staff-Level Agreement on a US $107 million arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility. In a recent statement before the National Assembly,Finance, Economic Planning and TradeMinister Naadir Hassan urged all leaders in the country to support the programme if the country is to survive the economic downturn brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The programme will be for a period of 28 months to support the government’s policy and reform efforts aimed at:
●Reinforcing the country’s recovery from the pandemic,
●Preserving macroeconomic stability, and
●Advancing the reform momentum to raise and sustain inclusive long-term growth.
Vidya Gappy
