The final scheduled Cabinet Meeting of 2016 took place at State House this morning.

Among the matters discussed by Cabinet was Seychelles' position on the resolution by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) to reduce the quantity of yellow-fin tuna caught in the Indian Ocean by its member countries.

It was decided that Seychelles would write to the IOTC to clarify that the reduction in catches in Seychelles' territorial waters would be based on catches for 2015, and not 2014 as had been adopted by the IOTC.

This is because the statistics for 2014 were unusually low in view of the maritime piracy risks at the time.  The 2015 statistics were considered to be more reasonable, and would have significantly lower negative impact on Seychelles' economy, than if the 2014 data were to be used.

Cabinet also discussed need to strengthen the economic resilience of Seychelles through inclusive tourism, including sound sustainable policies, investment in infrastructure, capacity building, promoting entrepreneurship and eliminating obstacles to economic growth.

Cabinet also advised that policy and guidelines be developed on the hosting of concerts in Seychelles by foreign artists.  This would be aimed at supporting local artists and talent, and ensuring that the country as a whole benefited to the maximum from shows given by foreign artists.

Cabinet endorsed the recommendation, submitted by the National Theme Committee, for adopting Seselwa - En Sel Desten as the 2017 National Theme.

The Committee is chaired by Mr Jules Hoareau, and includes membership from the Executive, the Judiciary and the National Assembly, as well as SCCI, SIFCO, the civil society.

The 2017 theme signifies the common aspirations of the Seychellois nation, the importance of inclusiveness, and the need for everyone to contribute to nation-building.