President James Michel attended the opening of the Home, Garden and Hospitality Exhibition at Roche Caiman this morning, where he cut the ribbons to open the event.

The exhibition was organised by the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency and Publi-Promo Ltd of Mauritius, where 60 stands showcased a variety of goods and services from Seychelles, Mauritius, Malaysia, India and Indonesia.

In an interview with local press, President Michel said the exhibition reinforces the status of the private sector as the motor of the economy.

“We need to encourage the private sector, especially small businesses to develop, and one way they can do that is to partner with other islands in the region, in this case Mauritius. I think it is a fantastic initiative where we can learn from each other and where we establish a win –win partnership,” said President Michel, who currently holds the portfolio for Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation.

Mr. Michel said this kind of event would help to Seychelles economy grow , and he congratulated the organisers and participants for the success of the event.

“ I believe in small business, I believe in entrepreneurship, and I believe in partnerships, not just between Seychellois companies but also other companies in the region…I can see today that a lot of companies from the region are showcasing their products alongside some Seychellois companies, but I would like to see more Seychellois participate and show their products, show what they are capable of producing, in order to promote themselves and get the exposure to sell their products well.”

When questioned about the complaints of bureaucracy faced by the private sector when interacting with government services, President Michel said that there are many challenges to overcome, and that the Government would do its utmost to reduce ‘red-tape.’

The opening ceremony was attended by the Vice-President Danny Faure, government ministers, the Chairman of Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Marco Francis, the CEO of the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency, Penny Belmont, and other dignitaries.