The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, received the Secretary of State for Finance, Trade and Investment, Mr Patrick Payet, at State House yesterday for a courtesy call. SS Payet recently returned to the country after receiving the 2019 Best Sustainable Finance Solution Award at the Treasury Today’s Adam Smith Awards in London UK.

The meeting was an opportunity for the President to personally congratulate SS Payet for his achievements and express how proud the country is that such a prestigious award has been awarded to a Seychellois.

“We are proud of you and also proud of our country, knowing that the work we are doing is recognised on an international platform as prestigious as the Adam Smith Awards. Let this be an inspiration for others to continue innovating and working hard,” said President Faure.

SS Payet accepted the award along with other Overall and Highly Commended Category Winners during the celebratory Adam Smith Awards Gala Presentation, held on 20 June, at the prestigious Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

Speaking to the press after his meeting with the President, SS Payet said that winning this award amongst 244 nominations out of 30 countries, as a Small Island Developing State, this award represents that with devotion and hard work great results can be achieved. He said it has been a great honour to have made his country proud and showcase something that Seychelles is the first in the world to implement. SS Payet also acknowledged the crucial role of team efforts, and the dedication and hard work of the Government staff who worked on the blue bond. He also expressed appreciation for the close working relationship with international partners such as World Bank, Standard Chartered and GEF.

SS Payet received the award in recognition of his efforts leading to the issuance of the world’s first sovereign ‘blue bonds’ last year, and for establishing a framework for their issuance.