World Bank country director for Seychelles, Ms Haleh Bridi, and country economist, Mr Sakut Rojid, yesterday called on President James A Michel and Vice-President Danny Faure at State House.

The two are in Seychelles as part of the ongoing process to prepare a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for the islands.

The CPS document will outline the strategic direction for the World Bank's engagement in Seychelles for the next five years.

"It is important when preparing such a strategy to consult other entities to make sure our strategy is in line with what the people, private sector, government and parliament of a country would like it to be," said Ms Bridi.

Last year Seychelles received various missions from the World Bank's country team. They met government agencies, civil societies and the private sector to get their input for the CPS.

"It is a process which ensures that our strategy is responsive to the needs of the people of Seychelles," added Ms Bridi.

According to Ms Bridi, immediately after the approval of the CPS, the World Bank will be considering a new lending operation to Seychelles which will imply a number of policy improvements and consolidation the country needs to carry out.

The policy improvements will cover sectors such as the social protection system, efficiency of health services delivery, investment climate and the gender issue.   

Seychelles is expected to receive financial help of $7 million (US) for a period of three years from the World Bank after the CPS is approved.

The report is expected to become final by the end of January, said Ms Bridi.