President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the fourth Joint Economic Forum at State House on Tuesday morning, convening senior government officials and private sector representatives to advance Seychelles economic development agenda.

In his opening remarks, President Ramkalawan expressed appreciation for the significant contributions made by private sector entities in collaboration with the government to enhance the nation's economic standing. He particularly commended the successful partnership that contributed to Seychelles' credit rating upgrade from BB- to BB by Fitch Ratings, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated public-private sector efforts.

The forum addressed several critical areas of strategic importance to the national economy. Key discussion points included labour market challenges, with participants agreeing to establish a dedicated working group to address employment issues facing private sector organizations. Additional focus areas encompassed land management, agricultural development, the fishing sector, taxation policies, and the country's cheque phase-out initiative.

Participants also reviewed progress from previous forum meetings, examined existing constraints requiring attention, and discussed current challenges with the aim of developing viable solutions.

Speaking to the local media following the forum, Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry Mrs. Devika Vidot expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved to date. "We have successfully identified issues and developed tangible solutions, demonstrating that this partnership model is effective," she stated. "This joint collaboration serves as an important tool in economic development, bringing together public and private sectors to ensure optimal resource allocation in areas of greatest need."

Ms. Iouana Pillay, Secretary General of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the forum's ongoing significance. "This forum represents more than a single engagement – we envision sustained collaboration for continued economic advancement," she noted. "We anticipate measurable short-term, medium-term, and long-term results that will benefit both private sector organizations and government initiatives, ultimately driving greater economic development for our nation."

The Joint Economic Forum continues to serve as a cornerstone platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between the government and private sectors, reinforcing the government's commitment to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development