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• Special Guest’s Comment: Capt. Guy Adam (SEPEC)
• 2006 new TradesTax Tariff Reduction • Software Giant showcases
Seychelles’ IT Network
• President James Michel’s National Day Address highlights • Employment Bill ’06 approved
• Interview: C. Lablache (Angel Tours)
• Investment opportu- nities in Port Victoria
• Oil Exploration in Seychelles• SIFD Plan
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Seychelles Investment Bureau Newsletter • June 2006 • Issue #2 • Volume 2 Regional & International Updates................................................................
International Relations - Foreign Ambassadors Accredited
COUNTRY NAME BASE ACCREDITATION DATE
Germany H. E. Mr. Walter LINDER Kenya 25 / 04 / 2006
Malaysia H.E. Mr. Cheah CHOONG KIT Zimbabwe 30 / 05 / 2006
• Int’l. Agreement (Updates)
• Int’l. Relations: Foreign Ambassadors accredited • UNWTO seminar in Seychelles
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P. O. Box 1167-2nd Floor, Caravelle House, Manglier Street Victoria, Mahé, SeychellesTel: 248 295500Fax: 248 225125E-mail: [email protected]: www.sib.sc
NEWSLETTER • JUNE 2006 • ISSUE 2 • VOL.2
Y O U R I N V E S T M E N T F A C I L I T A T O RY O U R I N V E S T M E N T F A C I L I T A T O R
UNWTO Seminar held in Seychelles
ourism organisations from 12 African countries gathered at Tthe Plantation Club Resort & Casino between 17 to 19 April 2006 to participate in a three-day seminar on tourism marketing.
The purpose of the meeting was to look at how national tourism organisations can better plan and evaluate their marketing activities to ensure the effective use of funds toward bringing the country a return on its tourism investment.
The seminar which saw the participation of the UNWTO (United Nation World Travel Organisation) Regional Representative for Africa, Ousmane Ndiaye, delegates from Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco among others, was organised under the UNWTO's special programme for Africa.
IOC Workshop
ocal traders, Government representatives, national and
international institutions promoting trade attended a 3-day Lworkshop on product selection held between 25th and 27th April
2006 at the Plantation Club Resort.
The aim of the workshop was to find new ways to enhance
exportation and exchange of commercially viable groups of
products namely textiles, artisanal, food and chemicals, within
the region.
The workshop was organised under the Intra-Regional Expansion
Trade Programme for the French Speaking countries in the Indian
Ocean Commission (IOC) (Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar and
Comoros) by “l’Organisation International de la Francophonie” in
collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
The meeting also provided the opportunity for the participants to
strengthen cooperation with the IOC.
he Minister for Economic Planning & Employment, the Tambassador to the EU and a delegate from the Ministry of Foreign Affaires attended the third ministerial meeting of the Eastern and Southern African (ESA) countries which took place in Kigali, Rwanda between 17 and 18 May 2006.
During the meeting, Seychelles was appointed as the lead speaker of the ACP ambassadorial committee for fisheries, replacing Eritrea. The country will also be spearheading negotiations to finalise the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU.
The EPA, which is affiliated to the ACP (Africa, Carribean, Pacific) and which will be finalised by December 2007 will replace the Contonou Agreement in 2008, in accordance with the World Trade Organisation ( WTO) regulations.
Based on the recommendations of the ambassadorial committee, the ACP ministerial committee for fisheries will then give the final decision regarding the EPA.
Seychelles is currently enjoying preferential treatment /access to the European market, whereby the country is benefiting from zero taxation on the tuna exported to the EU countries.
................................................................................................................................................
Registration for the Business Directory 2007
SIB: PROJECT/STATUS
(by Category) etween April 2006 and June 2006, SIB received Bsixty two (62) projects, which include tourism-
related, entertainment, health related, industrial, Commercial/Residential Development and others.
Based on the figures above, tourism-related projects which include hotels, tourist-guide, hire-craft, restaurant/cafeteria and car hire projects, has been the most dominant throughout.
Of the sixty two (62) new projects, 100% of the industrial, the Commercial/Residential Develop-ment and the other projects, over 70% of the tourism related projects, have been approved. The remaining projects are in various stages of processing.
16%
16%
18%2% 3%
5%
6%
8%
11%
15%
Sector
Health Related
Entertainment
Large Hotels (>25 rooms)
Tourist Guide
Restaurant / Cafeteria
Commercial/Residential Development
Industrial
Hirecraft
Car HireSIB
PR
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Seychelles present at the world conference on tourism and handicrafts
Seychelles lead speaker of the ACP Ambassadorial Committee for fisheries
he Managing Director of SEnPA (Small Enterprise Promotion
Agency), Ms. Lucy Athanatius represented Seychelles at the Tfirst International Conference on Tourism and Handicrafts held
between 12th and 15th May 2006 in Tehran, Iran.
Organized by the United Nation World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
the conference was attended by the Deputy Secretary General of
the UNWTO, the Director of UNESCO's Division of Arts, Crafts and
Design, Iranian authorities, foreign and domestic experts and
reporters.
The three-day conference, dubbed as "an historic and ground
breaking event" by UNWTO secretary general, focused on the
relationship between tourism and handicrafts, was to raise
awareness about the importance of handicrafts in tourism
development and to develop its linkage for the benefit of all.
Ms. Athanasius, who was also one of the designated speakers at
the conference, shared the handicrafts experience, challenges
and solutions in the Seychelles context.
ollowing the successful publication of the first business directory, SIB has started work on the Fsecond edition which will be coming out in April 2007. The directory is intended to be a marketing tool for local businesses since it is distributed not only locally but also internationally.
So, SIB is inviting all businesses to register for a free listing which will include the business name, contact details, number of employees as well as a brief description of the business activity. Businesses may also choose to give their business additional coverage by taking up advert spaces in the directory. This will be at a cost of SR1000 for a quarter page, SR2000 for a half page and SR2500 for a full page. A fee of SR25/- will be charged for the inclusion of the business logo with the business details. All adverts and logos will be in colour. Adverts on the cover pages and bookmark will be put up for tender in the nation and SIB website soon.
Businesses that featured in the 2006 edition but wish to make amendments to their details for the
For more information about registering for
the business directory 2007, please do not
hesitate to contact SIB on Tel: 295 500.
next edition or feel that they have been wrongly categorised should contact SIB to make the necessary amendments.
Forms for the business directory can be filled and submitted online via the SIB website (www.sib.sc) or be collected at the SIB office Caravelle House. For residents of Praslin and La Digue, the forms can be collected at the Business Advisory Centre on Praslin. SIB can also e-mail or fax the form to interested businesses. All forms should be in by the end of August 2006.
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General News .....................................................................................
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Authorities & Associations ......................................................2 7
International Agreement UpdatesUpdates
Seychelles Investment Bureau Newsletter • June 2006 • Issue #2 • Volume 2 Seychelles Investment Bureau Newsletter • June 2006 • Issue #2 • Volume 2
he National Statistics Bureau (NSB) was formed by a new Act Tat the end of 2005. The main aim was to create an
independent statistical agency to provide useful and quality
information for the public and policy makers. This Bureau is
distinct from the part of government that carries out
enforcement or policy making. It is impartial in the collection,
analysis and report processing. NSB is headed by a Chief
Executive Officer appointed by the President and has specific
responsibilities. The new Act also makes provision for a National
Statistics Council which is made up of producers and users of
statistics. The role of the Council is to provide advice and
guidance on the statistical programmes as defined by the Chief
Executive Officer. Chief Executive Officer (NSB)
Authorities you should know about: NATIONAL STATISTICS BUREAU
DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENT (DTA)
China, South Africa, China,
Indonesia, Thailand, Zimbabwe,
Oman, Malaysia, Botswana,
Mauritius, Vietnam, Belgium
Egypt, United Arab Emirates,
Qatar, Cyprus, Bahrain
Czech Republic, Tunisia,
Namibia, Kuwait, Russia
Philippines, Malta, Burundi,
Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Morocco,
Uganda, Israel, Portugal, Turkey,
Kenya, Zambia, Spain, Barbados
Tanzania, India, Sweden,
COMESA member states,
Argentina, Greece, Netherlands,
Poland, Slovenia, Brazil, Japan,
Mexico, Bhutan, Myanmar,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan,
Republic of Slovak, Mali,
German, Maldives
BILATERAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION & PROTECTION AGREEMENT (BIPPA)
BIPPA concluded and
ratified by Seychelles
The possibility of
concluding BIPPA with
Seychelles
Egypt
Republic of Slovak, Bahrain,
Cuba, Qatar, State of Kuwait,
Namibia, United Kingdom,
United States, Sweden,
Germany, Canada, India
DTA agreement
concluded by Seychelles
Negotiations concluded
awaiting date for signature
Cont. of negotiations -
second round
First round of
negotiations
Request for DTA
negotiations
he Eastern and Southern African (ESA) Group held its 2nd
Dedicated Session on Trade Related Issues from 21st to T23rd June 2006, in Kampala, Uganda. The meeting which was
chaired by HE Dr Ali Youssif Ahmed, Lead Spokesperson for
Trade Related Issues, saw the participation of 14 African
countries. Seychelles was being represented by Mr. David
BIANCHI, Technical Director of the SIB and Mr. Colin JEAN-
LOUIS, Legal Advisor of the Department of Finance.
ESA/EPA Meeting
n your anniversary it is not only an occasion to
celebrate it is also a time to reflect on the years past. OThis issue of the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB)
newsletter coincides with the second anniversary of its
creation on the 1st July 2004. The Bureau will no doubt use
the occasion to carry out an in-depth soul-searching
exercise to take stock of its achievements, challenges,
weaknesses, threats and opportunities so far.
Since its inception, SIB has been ascending the learning
curve and strengthening its position as the first point of
contact for the business and investment in Seychelles. It
moved into new offices at Caravelle House, built up its
capacity and has processed a multitude of projects worth
billions of rupees. Serious entrepreneurs or investors will
acknowledge that in the past two years, SIB has to a large
extent succeeded in putting in place necessary legal
framework and other mechanisms to translate the new
government policies on investment into tangible products
which have already started to bear fruits. The hassles of
visiting countless offices by both national and international
investors for guidance on investments and eventual
approval of projects have been greatly reduced. As the
focal point for investors, SIB has not only accelerated the
investment process but has also encouraged and given
confidence to investors to come onboard this investment
band-wagon.
SIB has in its first two years been able to guide and
encourage investors to develop projects in such a way so as
to bring maximum benefits to both Seychelles and the
investors themselves. Having a small but dedicated team of
young professionals with core competency in investment
matters and equipped with the knowledge that in today's
global village, responsible companies are judged not only
on their financial returns, but also on the way their
employees treat their customers, partners, and the
community in which they operate, SIB has guided new
investors into incorporating these positive traits into their
projects. This will no doubt be a win-win situation for
Seychelles and the investors.
Special Guest Comment - Special Guest Comment - Special Guest Comment - Special Guest Comment -
On the occasion of SIB's 2nd AnniversaryOn the occasion of SIB's 2nd Anniversary
In terms of its economic and political developments,
Seychelles arrived at a crossroads two years ago and a path
was chosen that has given much momentum to the
economic development of the country. Now that the
tourism sector has been given much thrust and is maturing,
emphasis is being turned to our fishing sector.
The launching of the new strategy for the Industrial Fishing
Sector will further boost investments in this domain. With
expected investment of over US$200M in port
infrastructure and many local and inter-national companies
already seizing the opportunities offered to them,
Seychelles will further consolidate its position as the fishing
hub of the Western Indian Ocean. In parallel with the
fishing sector develop-ment, the Petroleum Sector will also
contribute its share to the economic development of
Seychelles through its tanker operations, export businesses
and the new impetus on petroleum exploration. This sector
will become another major pillar of the Seychelles
economy. SIB will have to further intensify its role as
business match-makers to ensure maximum participation
of local entre-preneurs in these emerging sectors.
SIB alone will not succeed in expediting the economic
development of Seychelles. The general populace must be
geared to take advantage of these investment opportu-
nities. As a small island developing state we must adopt a
more positive attitude if we are to survive. Adopting a “can-
do” attitude will enable us to exploit the opportunities that
lie ahead. Denis Waitley states: “If you believe you can, you
probably can. If you believe you won't, you most assuredly
won't. Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the
launching pad”. Let us all make an effort to think positively
and make a leap into the future.
On the occasion of its second anniversary, let us
celebrate the achievements of SIB and let us all give it
our support so that it remains trustworthy and credible.
Let us adopt the “can-do” attitude and be assured of a
bright future.
Captain Guy AdamChairman & CEO
Seychelles Petroleum Company (SEPEC)
Message from
Mr. Philippe BoulléChairman – Bar Association
he Bar Association was formed in T1988 in order to promote the interests of lawyers, contribute towards ensuring that the legal system meets the expectations of the people of Seychelles and promote a high standard in the profession.
In order to attain its objectives the Association engages in various activities throughout the year. It interacts with international associations of a similar nature and regularly makes available to its members the opportunities to attend International Law Conferences and also has regular meetings with the Judiciary to discuss problems that arise in the administration of the Courts and attempts to find solutions which are for the benefit of both the Bench and the Bar.
Newsletters are circulated to members to keep them informed of developments in the legal system and the Bar Association organizes seminars annually to discuss with members of the public, Governmental bodies and Parastatal organizations topics of National importance.
At the end of each year the Bar Association has an Annual Dinner to regroup the lawyers and judges together with officials concerned with the Administration of Justice to rekindle the judicial system, and that opportunity is also taken to honour a member of the legal profession who has distinguished himself in his career, with the title of Senior Counsel which gives him certain privileges before the Courts.
The Bar Association is generally the link between a legal profession, and the general public, Government and interna-tional organizations, and the Association also acts as a consultative body to all those seeking to have information on the legal system or attempting to assist with the development of the various structures of the legal system.
3General News ................................................................................................
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NEW TRADES TAX TARIFF REDUCTION
FOR 2006
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.....................................................................
6 Sectoral News ................................................................................................
New Anti-Money
Laundering Law Approved
World's latest tuna vessel registered under Seychelles flag
...................................................................
...................................................................
The Seychelles Integrated Fisheries Development Plan
elow are the highlights of the National Day Speech on B18th June 2006 by President James Michel vis-à-vis improving the business/investment climate of the country:
Seychelles Investment Bureau Newsletter • June 2006 • Issue #2 • Volume 2 Seychelles Investment Bureau Newsletter • June 2006 • Issue #2 • Volume 2
he Seychelles Integrated Fisheries Development Plan is a culmination of Twork undertaken by the Fisheries Development Committee set up in March 2006, to prepare a Five-Year Fisheries Development Strategy.
As part of the Five Year Plan, an Industrial Fisheries Development Plan which focuses on a new Fisheries Growth Area, was prepared and launched on 7th June 2006. The new Plan makes provision for the following:
Transformation of Port Victoria, which already has the double advantage of being an established centre for tuna transshipment and processing, into the Tuna Fisheries Hub of the Indian Ocean.
Creation of a Free Zone Area with a deepwater port and integrated logistics platform.
An additional 180m of quay space for longliners, as well as a processing area.
Extension of the Fishing Port (land area expanded by 19,000m2) for bunkering, loins processing and cold storage.
Extension of the Commercial Port (berthing area increased by 300m; 49,000 m2 for a Container Reefer Park, warehousing and office space).
Creation of Floating/Dry Docking facilities (67, 500m2), able to service/repair over 40 purse seiners and 100 longliners.
Special Growth Areas such as salt storage and net repair facilities, a business centre, container park, electrical/mechanical workshops, warehousing etc.
For more details visit www.sib.sc
efraction seismic surveys undertaken by British research vessels in the Rearly 1960s indicated that the granitic Seychelles Islands were but the tip of an extensive sliver of continental crust that included the entire Seychelles Plateau and extended into the surrounding deep waters. The geological significance of these early findings indicated that Seychelles has all the right ingredients for the formation and accumulation of hydrocarbons.
To date four exploratory wells have been drilled, 3 by Amoco in the early 1980s and one by Enterprise Oil in 1995. The sustained high oil price over the last few years has brought about renewed interest in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone and the whole of the East African Region. This has resulted in the signing of a Petroleum Agreement with Petroquest International Incorporated, a subsidiary of the US based Liberty Petroleum.
The terms and conditions to be included in any Petroleum Agreement are the subject of negotiation between the Government and the company and are laid out in a Model Petroleum Agreement (MPA) which reflects the objectives of the Petroleum Mining Act. Under the MPA the Government grants to the company the exclusive right for exploring and producing petroleum in the contract area.
The contractual period is divided into two phases:
(1) An exploration phase which comprises three periods and lasts for a total of ten years, unless the company terminates the Agreement sooner;
(2) A development phase, which commences on the date that the commercial viability of a field is declared by the company and continues for a maximum of 25 years but not beyond 35 years from the commencement date of the agreement.
Oil Exploration in Seychelles
Continuing modernization of the tax system: As of June
2006, trades tax has been reduced to 0% on the majority
of goods.
Lowering of the social security contribution for all
businesses: As of 1st January 2007, all Seychellois
employers will make only 20% social contribution on
salaries between SR2001 and SR10,000 compared to 30%
payable currently.
Start of procedures to remove foreign exchange controls
as of 1st October 2006.
Reform of the business tax so that all businesses making a
profit of less than SR250,000/year will not be paying
taxes as from 1stJanuary 2007.
More shares in major companies will be made available to
the population. The start of procedures for the sale of
30% of Government shares in Nouvobanq to the
Seychellois public as of 14th August 2006.
Launching of the strategy 2006-2011 for the develop-
ment of the port and industrial fisheries.
Two new petroleum tankers for Seychelles to be ready in
2007.
Local construction companies selected for sub-
contracting projects from major companies or
contractors will benefit from concessions under the TIA
which are applicable for the whole project.
he Department of Finance has published the new trades
tax reduction schedule which took effect as of 8th June T2006 with the aim to facilitate Government's endeavour to
further harmonise the tariff structure and also modernise the
local tax system. The reductions are on a list of items including
footwear, cutlery, electrical appliances, dairy products, spare
parts, juice, timber, make-up accessories and commercial
vehicles (vans and pick-ups).
For the complete schedule of the trades tax tariff visit:
www.sib.sc
he Anti-Money Laundering Bill (2006) has been approved
by the National Assembly. Once enacted, the new bill will Treplace the Anti-Money Laundering Act, which became law in
1996. The Bill makes provisions to counter money laundering
and financing of terrorism.
As a result of this Act, a new unit, the Financial Intelligence
Unit (FIU) has been set up within the Central Bank.
FIU is to act as the national focal point for receiving, analysing
and disseminating disclosures of suspicious transaction
reports and other relevant information concerning money
laundering or financing of terrorism activities.
The Employment (Amendment) Bill 2006
approved
he National Assembly has approved the Employment
(Amendment) Bill 2006, which introduced new labour Tmeasures to protect workers. The Bill makes provisions to
protect young people from harassment on discriminatory
ground, to prevent discrimination by employers in making any
decision as to the recruitment, conditions of employment,
wages, disciplinary control or termination of employment.
The Bill also states that a Non-Seychellois worker should only
be employed on a fixed-term contract of 3 months or more as
opposed to 21 days as was the case previously.
It must also be recalled that the new regulations introduced in
the Employment Act in March this year made provisions for the
annual leave to be calculated on working days rather than
calendar days basis as well as compensation payable to a part-
time and casual worker.
raco, one of the world's biggest purse seiners is the third Dnew purse seiner to take licences to fish in Seychelles
water this year. The 84.14m super seiner has a gross
registered tonnes (GRT) of 3296 and a cruising speed of 18
knots. The State-of-the art tuna vessel that was built in Spain
arrived in Port Victoria on 22nd May.
........................................................
Re-thinking of the Seychelles brand position
ir Seychelles has signed a lease agreement
with the US-based International Lease Finance ACorporation (ILDC) to replace the existing
international fleet of two Boeing 767s with two
new ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft
which is due to enter international service in 2009.
The choice of the B767-800 Dreamliner was based
primarily on the operational savings it brings
especially in terms of fuel efficiency and lower
maintenance costs. The new aircrafts will enable
the airline to offer a better service to its clients as
they will be wider than the current Boeing 767's,
offering more space per person, bigger windows
and a range of technological advances.
Air Seychelles has been operating Boeing aircrafts
since 1986, using the B707-320, B757,
B737-700 and B767's.
Air Seychelles to renew international fleet by 2010
meeting was organized in April at the
Northolme Hotel, to look into the process of Arethinking the Seychelles brand position by seeking
the views of the private sector on the way forward
for the destination's brand.
The meeting was organized by the Seychelles
Tourism Board (STB) and Edinburgh-based brand
consultant Union. The Union was appointed by STB
in March this year to be a guide in the process of re-
tapping into Seychelles true brand identity.
In attendance were the Minister for Tourism and
the Managing Director of the Union and
representatives of various tourism landscapes. The
participants also raised concerns about whether a
new brand will have enough foreign exchange
behind it for it to be feasible.
Seychelles have in the past face strong
competition without television advertising, but
STB have plans to push Seychelles internationally
through tactical, cost-effective TV campaign by
barter exchanges and viral marketing on the
internet.
4 Private Sector Corner ..................................................................
SIB Interview with Mr. Christian Lablache
Angel Tours
5Sectoral News ....................................................................................
loating docks for the repair of visiting ships, provision of cold Fstorage facilities, warehouses to keep salt and refrigerated container transshipment facilities are some of the investment potentials that have been identified but, not yetfully exploited at Port Victoria.
These new business development and opportunities in the Port were being marketed to both local and foreign investors at the second Indian Ocean Ports Logistics and Shipping Conference held at the Plantation Club Resort between 30th and 31st March 2006.
A foreign expert has been commissioned by the Seychelles Port Auhtority (SPA) to conduct a market study of existing potentials in Seychelles. The aim is to attract potential investors for the above mentioned opportunities.
The conference saw the participation of over 200 senior executive delegates consisting of the world's leading shipping lines, shippers, cargo owners, importers/exporters, freight forwarders, logistics companies, ports, terminal operating companies, port equipment and service suppliers from over 25 countries as well as some local stakeholders including Seychelles Port Authority ( SPA), Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and SIB.
oftware giant, Microsoft, is using Seychelles health SInformation Technology (IT) network as a model in the region,
being the only one in Africa connecting all health units in any of
the continent's 42 countries.
The Seychelles Health Department's project is the only public
sector one featured among another three from the region that
Microsoft has put on their web site, www/microsoft.com under
“case studies,” the others being the Mauritius Commercial Bank,
the Mauritius Textiles Company and Air Madagascar.
The intranet project in the Health Department started in 2001
from scratch when the department's IT section was created, with
Microsoft joining in 2003 with the donation of software worth
SR200,000. The company also offered the services of a consultant
who trained the staff and put in the necessary security codes to
ensure strict confidentiality.
All health centers in Seychelles are now interlinked by computer
except Silhouette, Beoliere and Port Glaud. The new links have
facilitated communication between the Department of Health's
headquarters and the 16 units, saving on time, telephone call
charges, transport and paper.
The next step will be to introduce a health information system,
where such things as inventories for available medicines will be
available.
The Microsoft representative nevertheless said that Seychelles
could benefit even more in terms of linking with the outside
world if the country linked up with the main fibre optic cables
currently running along eastern Africa rather than dependence
on satellite links as is the case now.
Seychelles Investment Bureau Newsletter • June 2006 • Issue #2 • Volume 2 Seychelles Investment Bureau Newsletter • June 2006 • Issue #2 • Volume 2
ANGEL Tours is located at Amitie,
Praslin and was founded three years
ago. The business provides excursions
to more than 8 islands around Praslin
including Ile coco, St Pierre and others. On board the
catamaran boat, clients are also given the option of big
game fishing or a quieter picnic typically Creole style on
some of the most isolated islands. At the rate of 50 to 100
euros per head, Mr. Christian De Charmoy Lablache, a 24
year old, qualified skipper solely catered for his client
needs and this has earned him a good reputation amongst
small hotels on Praslin.
Investment opportunities in Port Victoria
New Strategy for Agriculture
Software Giant showcases Seychelles' IT Network
SIB: What led you to start your own boat charter business?
A.T: I have always loved the sea and as soon as I left school I
decided that I wanted others also to discover its splendor.
SIB: As a young entrepreneur, what are the major draw-
backs that you face in running your business on a day-
to-day basis?
A.T: It's not easy, but I have always been optimistic. More
and more tour operators are becoming more competitive
and demanding, and they have their own equipment for
example boat charters for their clients. Small businesses
like Angel Tours have to rely on small hotels. To be able to
brush shoulders with them you have to provide things that
they don’t have ; for example fresh fruits and vegetables.
Often these are not available on Praslin. This is a major
drawback and this is where other locally-made products
are useful. I also hope that small boats like Angel Tours
which are below the 60 miles range for concessions on
fuel will one day get this benefit as well. Why? Most boat
charter businesses are using small boats and hence do not
benefit on fuel concessions.
SIB: In your opinion has there been any improvement in the
business environment for boat charter on Praslin since
you started?
A.T: Concessions are a good thing. When I started the business
I wanted a new engine to improve the service I wanted to
provide and through concessions I did not have to pay any
taxes. Retention account is now 50% and it's not too bad
since if you want to import something there is foreign
exchange available. In boat excursions you need a lot of
accessories and your equipment has to be upgraded and
on the standard at all times so it's good to be able to
import things whenever you need them.
SIB: There are obviously several boat charters operating on
Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. What are your comments
regarding the competition in this sector? How do you
differentiate your business from others?
A.T: I am trying to make a name for myself. I want Angel Tours
to be different. I do not want to be superior than others
but rather provide a good service, something different.
Currently tour operators are organizing excursions for
large number of clients and this is not necessarily what all
of them want. We are targeting the outsiders, those who
want a quiet holiday away from 'la masse'; in other words
smaller but better.
SIB: What are your plans for the future?
A.T: When Angel Tours was launched I did not have enough
money to buy something big and after three years I think it
is time for me to upgrade my boat. I want to buy a bigger
boat which will provide more comfort for clients. Also I
want to invest more in marketing my product and the
service we have on offer. I think it's about time that I stop
relying on small hotels. They have been faithful for the
past three years but I think I can do even better with a
more active marketing. If the business expands I have to
start employing other people and give them the necessary
training.
SIB: Finally, what would you like to tell the young Praslinois
who want to start their own business?
A.T: They have to know what they want first and then make it a
reality. But the reality will not mean that it is going to be a
smooth road. There will be a lot of difficulties but it is
worth it in the end. Also any local investors have to make
sure that they have enough capital as back-up. Investing
means spending money to get money. No business will run
well if the entrepreneur does not know his/her priorities
and spends money on unnecessary things. Young entre-
preneurs have a lot of opportunities and benefits at hand
they just have to know how to use it. The Seychelles
Investment Bureau is one of the key places they should go
to for advice then they can join the group of local
investors in the vibrant and ever-changing business that
the tourism industry is!
he Government is in the process of setting up a National TAgricultural Development Committee that will chart the direction of agriculture in Seychelles for the next five years. It will offer guidance in the production and processing of both crops and livestock.
The Committee which was announced by the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, in the opening of the National Agricultural and Horticultural Show on 30th June 2006 will be composed of stakeholders from the private, non-governmental and public sectors.
SEnPA launches the “Made in Seychelles" stamp
hrough the official launching of the "Made in Seychelles"
stamps, the Small Entreprise Promotion Agency (SEnPA) Tseeks to promote the work produced by the local artisans as well
as Seychelles itself.
Buyers looking for that special souvenir can now look out for this
official “Made in Seychelles” stamp to ensure the authenticity of
the product they are purchasing, hence enjoy products that are
genuinely made in Seychelles.
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Effective interacting skills for agricultural scientists
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aving identified a need to improve the services being offered Hby the Department of Natural Resources, a five day training workshop was organized between 15th and 19th May 2006 for the agricultural scientists.
The purpose of the workshop was to provide the scientists, especially those who have direct interaction with the farmers, with new skills, techniques and evaluation methods so as to help them become trainers and become more confident when talking to farmers and empowering those farmers to make the right decisions. The training also addressed the issue of attitude and behavioral change so as to ensure that the researchers have a better approach to farmers.
The workshop took place at the Pointe Larue Community Centre and was facilitated by Dr. Mike Ijoyah from Nigeria.
