The Ambassador of Seychelles to South Africa, His Excellency Claude Morel has been appointed as the country’s Permanent Representative to COMESA. While receiving Mr Morel at the Secretariat, Secretary-General, Mr Sindiso Ngwenya, said that the latter’s appointment will bring about a unique perspective on what COMESA should do to address the challenges that face Small Island Developing countries (SIDS) of which the Republic of Seychelles is part.
“Quite often it is assumed that the programmes of regional integration are applicable and benefit all Member States equally. However, COMESA has come up with two important innovative products that will ensure the full participation of all in the operations of our internal market.”
“The two complementary electronic systems are the COMESA Virtual Trade Facilitation System and the COMESA Electronic Market Exchange System (CEMES). Their implementation will see Seychelles and other Island Member States for the first time accessing a platform which will enable them to participate in some of the highly acclaimed COMESA instruments, such as the COMESA Regional Customs Bond Guarantee System and container tracking of the cargo that will provide real time visibility to export shipments up to the point of delivery to the customer,” Mr Ngwenya said.
He added that COMESA is aware that Seychelles is increasingly focusing on building regional partnerships.
“We know that Seychelles’ economy is strongly anchored on the main sector of tourism. The tourism sector grew by 7 percent in 2011, driving economic growth at an estimated 4.9 percent rate. It is quite clear that the tourism sector will remain the mainstay of Seychelles’ economy for the foreseeable future. However, it is encouraging to note that the Government has made efforts to promote tourism investments on a large scale, and the PTA Bank has co-financed hotel projects in Seychelles.”
Mr Ngenywa said that in 2008 Seychelles took a bold decision to undergo major macro-economic and financial structural reform from 2008, primarily to address debt reduction and international reserve accumulation. “The economy has thus recorded a significant turnaround; and the country has improved its creditworthiness and demonstrated a good track record on reforms and meeting most of its benchmarks and targets.”
“COMESA would like to commend the position that the Government has taken in the last couple of years to focus its effort on improving infrastructure especially in the area of communications. Notably, Seychelles has now installed its first submarine cable; and I am pleased to know that Seychelles has plans to expand its commercial sea port and airports to cater for the increase of trade flow with the other parts of the world.”
He concluded by commending Seychelles’ efforts to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean; its efforts in environmental protection and conservation; and the development of a comprehensive country led Investment Plan in agriculture.
Ambassador Claude Morel commended the Secretariat for the exceptional efforts made in the enhancement and promotion of regional integration.
“I also wish to commend the Secretary-General for being a staunch advocate at the international level of the socio-economic development of our region,” he said. He added that despite their challenges, Seychelles is committed to negotiating the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA by establishing a national inter-ministerial committee which will be responsible for the monitoring and overseeing the status of implementation of the regional integration programmes.
“I am grateful for the support that we are getting in this area, and look forward to working with you as we aspire to move our organisation to greater heights for the prosperity of our people and region.”