President James Michel attended the opening ceremony of the second edition of the National Show held at NSC Hall, Roche Caiman this morning, which was officially opened by the Vice President of Seychelles and also the Chairperson of the National Celebrations Committee, Mr. Danny Faure. Also present to witness the opening was the Minister of State of United Arab Emirates and Chief Executive Officer of MASDAR, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Secretary General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, amongst other dignitaries and guests.
The President hailed the National Show exhibition as another important step in the development of the Government’s vision for a New Seychelles, where all Seychellois from different sectors join together to help in achieving this goal.
“I am proud and satisfied of what I have seen in this National Show exhibition. I congratulate all those who have helped in organising this event. It is good to see that the private, government, civil society and other sectors joining hands to showcase their services. I have seen their joy and enthusiasm to have been given the opportunity to participate in this year’s National Show and display what their business is doing and make people aware how they are helping in the development of the Seychelles’ economy,” said President Michel following his tour around the different stalls guided by the Coordinator of the National Show, Mr. Michel Vielle.
The President noted that the government is finding ways on how to encourage more Seychellois to invest and be successful, be it big or small businesses. By looking at its policies and structures in order to facilitate the process of embarking in opening a business that will not only benefit and create wealth for people but to also make a positive contribution in the socio-economic prosperity and progress of the country.
In his opening address, the Vice President expressed recognition and satisfaction at the number of participants who had responded and took part in this year’s show, making it a success. He also expressed his gratitude to those who have dedicated themselves in organizing this event.
“It is said that anniversaries are special days, dedicated to reflection, celebration, looking forward, looking backward, taking stocks, showing appreciation. Today’s event is meant to address all of these and more, because it is a reflection of our achievements, our social and economic development, our pride as a nation and appreciation of our people who are the centre of our progress and future. This National Show is both a mirror reflecting our past and a window of our future,” said Mr. Faure.
This year’s National Show is being held under the banner ‘Celebrating twenty years of achievements’. The three days exhibition will give opportunities for many businesses to promote and market their products as well as services and it will also pave new horizons for those who have just started a business and introduce themselves to local and international customers.
“The primary objective of the National Show is to bring together, in one location an exhibition of all the main achievements of the socio-economic and cultural sectors as well as the spiritual adherence of the Seychelles over the last twenty years. Secondly, it is an occasion to entertain and educate young and the old,” said Mr. Vielle in his remarks.
The National Show forms part of the major events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the third Republic of Seychelles.