10.09.2012
Seychelles and Sri Lanka share an outlook based on a shared vision, said President James Michel during a lecture on ‘The Role of Small Island States in the Global Tapestry’.
Seychelles and Sri Lanka share an outlook based on a shared vision, said President James Michel during a lecture on ‘The Role of Small Island States in the Global Tapestry’.
He was speaking at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International
Relations and Strategic Studies in Colombo, during last month’s official state
visit to the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka is a much larger island than Seychelles. But we share an
outlook which is based on a shared vision. A vision which, rather than seeing
islands as isolated, positions islands as being connectors in the world
economy. We provide connections in terms of trade. We provide connections in
terms of our oceanic spaces. We provide connections in terms of ideas. Thus
from the north of the Indian Ocean to the equator, Seychelles and Sri Lanka
offer an ocean of opportunity,” said President Michel.
A local entrepreneur of Port Glaud who apart from being a farmer also
exports dry salted fish to Sri Lanka, Rodley Mathieu shares the same view.
“Opportunities to do business in Sri Lanka are plentiful. It all depends
on us Seychellois to explore the different avenues available and start taking
advantage of them,” says Mr Mathieu, who has been doing business for almost
five years with the neighbouring island nation. He says the export business is
very good and still flourishing.
Mr Mathieu said it all started with the construction and operation of
the five-star Constance Ephelia Resort at Port Glaud where he met a Sri Lankan
businessman George Osman Madensa Gunesekara who talked him into a business
partnership.
He was at that time providing fresh vegetables from his farm to the
hotel. Together, they set up SeyLanka Pty Ltd – a small company exporting dry
salted fish to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan construction company Sanken built the
Ephelia resorts.
“I get my supply of fish from tuna fishing vessels here. Salted fish
from Seychelles is in great demand in Sri Lanka where it is sold like hot
cakes. Sri Lankan consumers consider Seychelles fish of very high standard. To
them it is like eating beef,” said a smiling Mr Mathieu.
Those who know this island nation of more than 20 million people quite well may say Sri Lanka is a fishing nation and has fish in abundance. But Sri Lankans themselves find the price of fish in their country expensive.
Those who know this island nation of more than 20 million people quite well may say Sri Lanka is a fishing nation and has fish in abundance. But Sri Lankans themselves find the price of fish in their country expensive.
“Generally all the fish caught are sold instantly on the coast. To
transport them inland can prove costly as investment in refrigerated vehicles
or equipment is needed. Also it is a minimum two-hour drive to the nearest
feasible distribution centre. Therefore, it is not that appealing to
entrepreneurs there to venture into transportation when they can do business
right where they fish,” added Mr Mathieu.
He firmly believes local businessmen, be it small or big, can have great
business dealings with Sri Lanka be it in either exports or imports. The
geographical location and climate are also great assets. Sri Lanka is now
producing equipment like tractors, boats of ISO standard and of Lloyd’s
shipping company certification; ready-made garments which are also exported to
various developed countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France and
other European countries.
For our local tailoring businesses fine quality fabrics at very cheap
prices can be imported from Sri Lanka.
Mr Mathieu also noted that business with neighbouring Sri Lanka can be
done in two ways – local products can either be manufactured here then exported
to Sri Lanka. The other option is that Sri Lanka can be used as a transit point
– the raw materials are sent there where they are processed and exported to
other parts of the world. This is feasible especially in circumstances where we
Seychellois lack the skilled manpower or because of high production costs
locally.
He acknowledged that Sri Lankans are generally genuine people when it
comes to doing business. Seychelles will be acknowledged on the finished
products through labelling on the packaging. He also cited his own example
where his salted fish is exported to Korea through Sri Lanka.
Cottage industries are also a major driving force in the Sri Lankan
economy and play a vital role in generating income for the ordinary people
there. Seychelles could learn a lot and therefore be more innovative in this
aspect as Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna are so typical to ours. One such industry
that our local people can check out is coconut – Sri Lanka does not throw
anything away from a coconut tree!
Mr Mathieu also talked about tourism – another avenue that can be
exploited.
President Michel also did talk about tourism possibilities between the two islands during his economic cooperation talks on his visit to Sri Lanka.
President Michel also did talk about tourism possibilities between the two islands during his economic cooperation talks on his visit to Sri Lanka.
“We are also exploring the possibilities of joint marketing for
“two-centre” tourism. Sri Lanka has a wealth of historical and cultural
heritage which, combined with Seychelles’ unique natural beauty and world-class
Creole hospitality, would be added attractions and incentives for travellers
wishing to have a rich Indian Ocean experience,” the President said.
Due to the attractive rate of its rupee, products like fresh fruits,
spices, vegetables, spare parts, fertilisers, clothes, and various equipments
can also be imported from Sri Lanka. Fish, coconuts, cinnamon and granite are
some of Seychelles’ produce that can be exported to Sri Lanka.
But Mr Mathieu is also aware of the current constraints of doing
business with Sri Lanka – transportation to and from the island is a real
problem. Air links from Seychelles are mainly through destinations like Dubai
or Qatar, resulting in long flights. Maritime links are almost non-existent. He
also noted that there are lots of Sri Lankan businessmen wanting and waiting to
do business with Seychelles.
Again it is good to note that during his visit there, President Michel
did bring up the air link issue during discussions he had with Sri Lankan
Minister for Economic Development Basil Rohana Rajapaksa and members of his
ministry.
“Air links and maritime trade links between Seychelles and Sri Lanka are
critical for the development of our economic cooperation,” President Michel
said.
“We have invited SriLankan Airlines to start flying to Seychelles in
order to increase trade and travel between our countries. This would increase
our volume of imports from Sri Lanka, which has more competitive prices for
many commodities,” he added.
Minister Rajapaksa also said work to establish air links between the two
countries would start immediately, and this will include discussions between
the respective civil aviation authorities and airlines.
As for Mr Mathieu he is not stopping there in his business dealings with
Sri Lanka. His company is looking at the possibility of exporting fresh fish
and cinnamon quills there.
“The government has opened the door – now it is up to private sector to
enter,” President Michel side in an interview after his visit to Sri Lanka.
Seychellois only have to Leve Debrouye!!!
Seychellois only have to Leve Debrouye!!!
By Marylene Julie
