President James Michel opened the new ‘Leve Debrouye’ Micro-Enterprise Complex at Providence Industrial Estate yesterday.
The opening was attended by Vice-President Danny Faure, the Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, the Minister for Health, Mrs. Mitcy Larue, Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture, Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St Ange, the Minister for Land Use and Housing, Mr. Christian Lionnet, the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation, Mr. Michael Benstrong, the CEO of the Providence Industrial Estate, Mr. Vic Tirant, the acting Chief Justice, Mr. D. Karunakaran, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mr. David Pierre, the Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier, Mr. Leopold Payet, President of the Court of Appeal, Mr. Francis MacGregor, members of the National Assembly and other dignitaries.
During the official opening, Minister Michael Benstrong said the Providence Industrial Estate received another asset which will go a long way in the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He said the country continues to witness more and more innovative ideas as Seychellois entrepreneurs, especially the younger generation, continue to adopt and apply new technology in the way of doing business.
“This ‘Micro-Enterprise Complex” under the theme ‘Leve Debrouye’ marks another big step forward in our progress towards the development of small and medium emterpises in our country,” said Minister Benstrong.
He also noted the obstacles of starting up a business like access to credit or financial assistance, rental in the private sector which is exorbitant.
He described the ‘Micro-Enterprise Complex’ as concrete evidence that the government, under the leadership of the President, has recognised the concerns and calls of the small businesses and has responded to them.
The project started in 2013 and has been financed by the Social Security Fund (now the Welfare Protection Agency) at a cost of R40 million and has 59 workshops and offices. These will be rented out to small businesses in such activities as craft, tailoring, equipment repair like air conditioning, solar panels, small scale food preparation and offices that provide professional services.
The government has plans to construct other such buildings on Ile du Port and at Anse Boileau. Praslin and La Digue will also benefit and parcels of land have already been identified there.