40 years of transformation: 4-day show kicks off Seychelles’ independence day celebrations

The four-day national show aims to provide an overview of the socio-economic transformation that has taken place in Seychelles over the last four decades.(Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles' products and services showcasing the transformation in the island nation’s economy the last four decades are on exhibit in a national show that began Sunday.

The four-day exposition is being held at Roche Caiman on the outskirts of the archipelago’s main island, Mahé. It’s the main event organised to mark the 40^th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence this Wednesday, June 29.

The coordinator of the event told SNA that some 200 local businesses are taking part. Michel Vielle said the exhibit aims to provide an overview of the economic transformation that has taken place in the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean over the last four decades.

“It encapsulate the socio-economic transformation of the Seychelles … from one pinned down to primary industries based on plantation and agricultural production to one based on small to large scale industries and services,” said Vielle.

The four-day exposition is the main event organised to mark the 40th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo Licence: CC-BY

Some of the sectors that can be viewed at Roche Caiman include agricultural and horticultural products, technology-based businesses including hybrid car importers and photovoltaic green energy generators, investors specializing in household appliances and furniture, food manufacturing, telecommunication services, transport, fisheries and tourism. 

According to Vielle, the organisers have emphasized the promotion of local small and medium enterprises. This, he said, is aimed at “providing the Seychellois population with alternative sources of income and employment as a way of diversifying the national economic base.”

Organizers expect some 40,000 people to visit the show over the next four days. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo Licence: CC-BY

This is the fourth such national show organised during the month of June in recent years. According to the organisers there’s been an increase of five percent in the participation level compared to last year.

Abhaye Valabhji – a company which specializes in importing household appliances, furniture and vehicles parts -- has taken part in all the national shows since 2010, although one of the company’s managers told SNA that this is more special.

“Our company is over 50 years and has therefore operated pre and post-independence periods.  We started small and grew with time, diversifying our products and now over 50 years later we still maintain a strong presence in people’s lives,” Alfredo Leite said to SNA.

Abhaye Valabhji's display of household appliances. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo Licence: CC-BY

Government-owned Seychelles Petroleum Company (Seypec) which commemorated 30 years of existence last year said the 40th anniversary of the independence is giving the company an opportunity to celebrate its achievements.

Seypec’s chief executive Conrad Benoiton told SNA that the achievements were both local and international. He highlighted the contribution of its fleet of petroleum tankers, whose operations according to Benoiton recorded a net profit of $6.9 million in 2014 and was expecting a profit in excess of $10 million this year.

“This is testimony that we have not remained as an island economy but we have evidently become an international company,” said Benoiton.

One of the oldest companies in Seychelles with over 120 years of service, Cable and Wireless, is also making its presence count at this year’s national show.

“Our slogan is ‘we were there,’ which is a proud testimony that we have been part of Seychelles prior and during this historic 40 years,” said Albert Duncan, the company’s public relations manager.

The businesses are spread over an area measuring of 45,000 square metres at the Roche Caiman Sports Complex.

Some of the sectors that can be viewed at Roche Caiman include agricultural and horticultural products, technology-based businesses, investors specializing in household appliances and furniture, food manufacturing, telecommunication services, transport, fisheries and tourism. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo Licence: CC-BY

Vielle told SNA that they are expecting some 40,000 visitors to the exposition over the next four days, adding that there is a potentially for “some 10 million rupees to exchange hands.”

Early visitors who spoke to SNA immediately after Vice President Danny Faure launched the national show in the presence of President James Michel and other guests were generally impressed with the displays, products and services on offer.

President James Michel (middle) Vice President Danny Faure (right) and the coordinator of the national show Michel Vielle (left) viewing some of the exhibits. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo Licence: CC-BY

“There are definitely more stands compared to last year but the products on offer are similar to last year,” said Maryse Fanchette.

Luther Roseline, on top of being impressed with the wide range of goods and services on offer, said they were also affordable.

“Seeing that many businesses offering so many services and goods is surely a sign of progress and development over the past 40 years,” said Roseline.

Apart from marketing their products, participants have also incorporated interactive features that will appeal to younger visitors such as games and competitions.

Fun games have also been included to entertain the younger visitors at the show. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo Licence: CC-BY

The national show will remain open until late in the evening the next four days until Wednesday June 29, which is a public holiday. 

Last year was the first year that National Day was celebrated on June 29, which is the day the 115-island archipelago of Seychelles gained independence from the British in 1976.

National Day was previously observed on June 18, but this date has from this year been marked as Constitution Day to celebrate the adoption of the current constitution in 1993.

The main event on Wednesday will be the traditional military parade and cultural display where President Michel will also address the nation.

SNA presents a collection of photos taken at the official opening of the national show. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo Licence: CC-BY