President Danny Faure chaired a meeting with representatives of the economic sector at State House this morning, to discuss the way forward following his address yesterday detailing various measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Seychelles.

The President thanked the representatives for sharing their ideas over the last 2 weeks and stressed on the importance of continuing to work as a team for the benefit of the people and the country.

“We need to ensure from here on out we work together and adopt a coordinated approach, where Government and private sector ensures our economy remains stable and there is food and job security for our people,” said President Faure. 

Discussions centred on how to mitigate the impacts on the economy as well as other critical short and long-term concerns and implications the various sectors anticipate.  As such, during the meeting this morning representatives were also able to share their feedback and views on the economic measures announced and together identify potential new measures required. 

The President has also today created two new high-level committees focused on the critical aspects of providing financial support to businesses in need and ensuring food security. The committees are responsible for establishing the criteria for eligibility and the level of assistance that businesses will be able to receive. The Committees will meet on a daily basis under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of State for Finance, Mr Patrick Payet, and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Charles Bastienne respectively.

The first meetings of both committees will take place on Monday 23 March and be chaired by the President. 

Present for the meeting this morning at State House, was the Minister of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Mr Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, the Secretary of State for Finance, Mr Patrick Payet, The Governor of the Central Bank, Ms. Caroline Abel, the Economic Advisor to the President, Mr Bertrand Belle, Principal Secretary for Finance, Mr Damien Thesee, the Chief Executive of STC, Mrs Christine Joubert, the Chief Executive of SEYPEC, Mr Conrad Benoiton, Chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Oliver Bastienne, Chairman of Air Seychelles, Mr. Jean Weeling, Chairman of the Agricultural Producers’ Association of Seychelles, Dr. Barry Nourrice, Chairman of Seychelles Fishing Authority, Mr Cyril Bonnelame, and Chairperson of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, Mrs Sybille Cardon. 

Following the meeting, representatives of key sectors including tourism, agriculture, fisheries and business spoke to the press. To listen to the full interview please click the link below:https://youtu.be/qkoDOrZJSi0

An Extra-Ordinary Cabinet meeting was also held this morning to discuss and action on measures required by Government, in addition to the revised Budget for 2020.