President James Michel attended the opening of the International Food, Hotel Supplies and Trade Exhibition at the NSC Hall, Roche Caiman this morning, which was officially opened by the Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte.

This three days exhibition is being organised by the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (SENPA) in collaboration with the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industries, CDC Events & Travels (Pvt) Ltd, which is a Sri Lankan company, with the support of the Chefs Guild of Lanka. The fair showcases around 40 stands with a variety of products and services from Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Singapore, China, South Africa and Dubai.

Speaking to the local press after touring the different stands, President Michel said the exhibition is a brilliant initiative and commended the organisers and participants. He welcomed the idea for it to become an annual event, adding it could also be expanded to become an event for the Indian Ocean region.

“This international exhibition showcases not only the possibilities of what Seychellois can to produce for the local and international markets but it is also an opportunity for them to join together with people from other countries, in the global village where they interact on topics such as commerce… which benefits Seychelles to stimulate growth of the economy, as this is what we need right now,” said the President.

Mr. Michel said that his official visit to Sri Lanka and the recent visit of the President of Sri Lanka in Seychelles have been a catalyst for trade and exchanges between the two countries.

“Today you can see more Seychellois entrepreneurs exporting products to Sri Lanka and Seychelles importing products from Sri Lanka. We have also seen services that Sri Lanka can offer which are closer to us and benefit us. ..  I believe that it has a good beginning and I think there is every reason now for our different companies, organisations, private sector and even government institutions to work together and see how we can complement each other and see what Seychelles can offer and what Sri Lanka can offer Seychelles.”

This exhibition will end on the 30th November 2014.