President Danny Faure attended the official launching of the first Inner Island Business and Financial Education Fair held at the grounds of l’Union Estate, La Digue as part of activities to mark this year’s National Day celebrations this morning.

The fair, a first of its kind on La Digue, saw the participation of over 50 participants with the Central Bank of Seychelles leading the financial education component in collaboration with various partners from the business and financial sector.  The event also showcased a wide range of local products and services including business entities, both private and parastatals, focused on raising awareness on business information.

During her address to officially launch the Fair, the Designated Minister and Chairperson of the National Day Celebrations Committee, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, stressed on the importance of cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and businesses being at the forefront of development.

“Our economy, which was agriculture based, has undergone a complete transformation over the past decades and is today heavily dependent on tourism, fishing, financial services and value addition. Small-scale industries are also playing a more important role in economic growth particularly through the promotion of entrepreneurship and employment creation. Businesses are at the heart of economic growth because they provide both goods and services,” said Minister Mondon.

She urged the people of La Digue to venture into new sectors such as the blue economy, financial services, and other areas which remain untapped in the La Digue business environment.

Addressing guests present at the launching ceremony, on behalf of Central Bank Seychelles, the First Deputy Governor, Mr Christophe Edmond highlighted the benefits of having both national public and private agencies involved in business promotion, ease of doing business, and financial education coming together to provide a one-stop shop for information about doing business.

He stressed that despite finance being a key element for a successful business, ensuring sustainability, conducting the right research, integration of ICT, business planning, budgeting, and risk management among others are equally vital elements to remain competitive. He encouraged La Digue and Praslin entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities at the fair.

Following the official launching ceremony, President Faure accompanied by other guests, obtained a guided tour of the fair and also participated in the laying of the foundation of the Musée de La Digue which will be located at l’Union.

Speaking to the press after his tour, the President thanked and congratulated all the participants for coming together for such an important event under the guidance of the National Day Committee. He also thanked the Central Bank of Seychelles for their major role in spearheading the Financial Education component.

The fair was also an opportunity for the President to meet participating agencies and organisations, and local business owners on La Digue, and also meet tourists and members of the public attending the event.

The fair is being held over two days from 22 to 23 June and will also include a fireworks show at l’Union Estate this evening.