President James Michel met with a 16-member strong delegation of members of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) at State House this morning. The visit of the delegation led by Dr. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, took place ahead of the Bank’s Annual General Meeting to be held on Saturday 23rd July 2016.

President Michel expressed his gratitude and that of the Government of Seychelles for the valuable support Afreximbank has given to the country. “I acknowledge and express Seychelles’ appreciation for Afreximbank’s support in the empowerment of Seychellois small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).  I am pleased that the Blue Economy is on the agenda of the Bank, as it represents a new frontier for development,” said President Michel.

During the meeting, Dr. Oramah spoke to the President about the different events to be held in the coming days before the AGM. They also discussed the economic projects Afreximbank is considering to implement with Seychelles in the future such as a credit line with the Development Bank of Seychelles (DBS), support for SMEs in supporting and supplying the hotel industry and the possibility of assisting Seychelles to enhance its capacity to attract capitals. Dr. Oramah took the opportunity to congratulate President Michel for his leadership in championing the issues of the Blue Economy concept in the international arena, a concept promoted as well by the Bank.

In an interview with the national press, Dr. Oramah expressed his appreciation to Seychelles for the hosting of the Bank’s annual meeting. He underlined that the pan African Bank has been very supportive of the economic development in Seychelles, such as the support in financing of the airport, the first reclamation land and Felicite island, and noted that the partnership will continue to expand.

Also present at the meeting this morning was the Governor of Central Bank of Seychelles, Ms. Caroline Abel and the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte D'Offay.