FECAS - ECSVS Forum

Chinese ambassador marks accreditation with reception

22-December-2014
A reception was held at the Chinese embassy last Friday to celebrate the accreditation of Yin Lixian as the new Chinese ambassador to Seychelles. Ambassador Yin presented her credentials to President James Michel at State House last month.

Among guests at the reception were Vice-President Danny Faure, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, the Minister for Home Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan and other government and Chinese dignitaries.

During the reception Minister Morgan announced that Seychelles is working closely with the Chinese civil aviation authority to introduce direct flights to Beijing for the Chinese New Year in 2015 to enable Chinese tourists to come celebrate in Seychelles.

The connection will also allow members of the Chinese community and Seychellois of Chinese origin in Seychelles to visit Beijing during that period.

He said this development is due to the evolving development in the air and tourism sectors where a growth in the number of tourists from China is translating itself into becoming major market for tourism in the coming years, together with Indians.

In her speech, Ambassador Yin told the gathering that Seychelles is just like her colleagues told her when she was in Beijing: an island paradise surrounded by breathtaking beauty everywhere.

She described the beauty of Seychelles as not only a gift from nature, but also a collective creation by the people and government.

She said as ambassador, it gives her great pleasure to witness the sound bilateral relations between China and Seychelles and that everywhere she goes she can feel the strong will to deepen the cooperation in all fields.

“Since Seychelles and China established diplomatic relations, this friendship between a small developing country and a big one has developed smoothly and become a role model. In recent years our exchanges both at high and grassroot levels have become more frequent,” said the ambassador, adding that President Michel himself has visited China several times.

“Our mutual understanding and mutual trust continue to deepen, which enable us to coordinate closely in international affairs, and to cooperate fruitfully in various fields including business and commerce, education, health, culture and military. Not to mention that China has become Seychelles’ fastest growing overseas tourist market,” she said, reminding all that such achievements have not come about by themselves but as a result of contributions from all sides.

Looking into the future of friendly cooperation, Ambassador Yin said both countries are full of confidence as both are working hard for economic development and social progress.

Minister Adam said it was a great pleasure to officially welcome and celebrate her excellency ambassador Yin Lixian in Seychelles and reiterated the sincere and profound congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Seychelles.

He said since establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1976, the nation has gone from strength to strength and have increasingly diversified its economy.

He mentioned the various significant events that have happened during 2014 which have made it a very eventful year for Seychelles-China partnership.

He listed events like the Seychelles-China Day and the hand over of the maritime surveillance vessel to combat piracy. The ship was received by the government of Seychelles as part of the national day celebrations in June this year. The minister described the donation as a great contribution not only for Seychelles but that of the Indian Ocean.

In the middle of this year there was also the launch of the Seychelles-China Trade and Business Promotion Association.

The year also saw the return of more Seychellois graduates who have been studying in china.

The country also witnessed the arrival of a new batch of Chinese volunteers working primarily in the health sector as well as the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Seychelles Botanical Gardens.

In the last quarter of the year Seychelles officially opened its consulate general in Shanghai, the first ever consulate general Seychelles has anywhere in the world and which the minister described as “recognising the strength of this economic partnership which continues to grow between our two countries”.

Minister Adam then proposed a toast in honour of ambassador Yin.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244014

China’s 2014 economic growth slowest in more than 2 decades

By The Associated Press
Published: January 19, 2015, 8:16 pm Updated: January 20, 2015, 3:04 am

HONG KONG (AP) — China’s economic growth slowed to 7.4 percent in 2014, the weakest expansion in nearly a quarter century, and is forecast to slip further over the next two years, adding to headwinds for the global economy.

The numbers released Tuesday are still miles ahead of growth rates in major industrialized economies, but represent a sharp decline from China’s sizzling double digit expansion in previous years. That adds to pressure on the country’s communist leaders as they try to prevent a sharper slowdown and job losses while overhauling the economy.

The 2014 performance was the slowest for the world’s second-biggest economy since 1990, when growth tumbled to 3.8 percent after China faced economic sanctions because of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. It undershot the official full-year target of 7.5 percent, the first miss since 1998, according to analysts.

Economists expect the slowdown to deepen, clouding the outlook for the world economy as China downshifts from an era of supercharged growth that fueled demand for everything from Australian iron ore to European luxury goods.

In a report Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund trimmed its global growth forecasts for this year and next year, citing China’s weakness as a key factor. It said China’s growth rate would fall to 6.3 percent in 2016. China’s weakness will inhibit growth in nations it imports from, especially in Asia, the report said.

Chinese businesses were bracing for a more painful year.

“The economic outlook is not so optimistic I’m afraid. Competition will be even more difficult,” said Han Yi, a sales manager at Tianjin Yihsin Packing Plastic Co., which employs 700 people making plastic cups and cookie packaging in Tianjin, about an hour southeast of Beijing.

Han complained that sales in 2014 dipped about 5 percent from the year before and the company had to improve product quality and reliability to compete for new clients. Even then, it was able to win only one new account from a rapidly expanding customer.

“The situation would be much worse if we could not win this new client,” he said.

China’s slowdown is partly a function of Beijing’s efforts to transform the economy by weaning it off overreliance on heavy industry and trade in favor of domestic consumption. But the transition has been buffeted by a range of problems, including a slumping property market and uneven exports.

Some analysts expect China to gradually dole out stimulus in 2015 to prevent growth from fading too fast. But they don’t expect a major spending splurge as debt is already at worrying levels after the credit-fueled response to the 2008 global crisis.

“Credit risks will likely continue to prevent policymakers from using monetary policy too aggressively in order to shore up growth,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics, who forecasts 7.0 percent growth this year.

Consumption should receive a boost from the slump in global oil prices but is unlikely to fully offset the slowdown of investment in areas already suffering from overcapacity such as property and heavy industry, he said.

Chinese officials have tried to lower expectations by saying growth below the official target would be acceptable.

President Xi Jinping said last year that the economy has entered a “new normal.” But a surprise interest rate cut by policymakers in November indicated they were worried about a politically dangerous spike in job losses.

Growth in the fourth quarter of last year was 7.3 percent, unchanged from the previous quarter, which was the slowest quarterly expansion in five years. China’s economy grew 7.7 percent in 2013.

At a news conference, Ma Jiantang, the director of the National Bureau of Statistics, said that last year’s growth “was within a reasonable range” while growth in 2015 is expected to be “stable.”

“However, we should also be aware that the domestic and international situations are still complicated and economic development is facing difficulties and challenges,” he said.

Sales staff at the Wanjiang Xiufang garment company in Dongguan, southern Guangdong province, said they were battling competition from an increasing number of rival factories even as consumer spending on the women’s and children’s clothing they make weakened.

Average profit on a hoodie, for example, fell to 8 yuan ($1.29) last year, down from 10 yuan ($1.60 previously, said Lin Rongguang.

“We need to produce new products with better quality but a lower price,” said Lin. “I know it will decrease our profit, but we have to survive first,” he said.

International agencies have trimmed their global growth forecasts partly in response to the slowdown in China, a significant driver of world economic growth.

The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday lowered its forecasts by 0.3 percentage point for each of the next two years, warning about persistent weakness in most major economies.

“Slower growth in China will also have important regional effects, which partly explains the downward revisions to growth in much of emerging Asia,” the IMF’s report said.

http://wbay.com/ap/chinas-economic-grow ... t-in-2014/

China Confronts ‘New Normal’ of Slower Growth
As Government Seeks New Ways to Boost Economy, Companies Struggle to Find Their Footing
http://www.wsj.com/articles/china-confr ... 1421767359


Global conflicts to dominate Davos agenda
By Joe Miller
The risks posed by global conflicts will be at the top of the agenda when politicians and industry leaders meet in Switzerland next week.

Unlike previous years, when the economy took centre stage, geopolitical concerns will be the hot topic at the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Participants from more than 140 countries are expected to attend.

Almost 900 experts identified protracted global disputes as the "major threats affecting mankind".

Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East were singled out as being of particular concern.

Environmental threats, including water shortages and the spread of infectious diseases, have also been highlighted in the WEF's annual Global Risks report.

In its presentation to the press, the WEF stressed that more than "25 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall," interstate conflicts, and "relics of the Cold War" were now the most likely risks to global stability.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30832627

Seychelles-China Day from February 13-15

04-February-2015


After it was organised for the first time last year, the second Seychelles-China Day this year will be held from February 13-15.

The Seychelles-China Day, which coincides with the Spring Festival which marks the Chinese New Year, is one of the festivals which celebrate the origins and identity of the Seychellois people, or the five branches of our culture. The four others are Fête de la Francophonie which is celebrated in March, FetAfrik in May, Seychelles-India Day and Festival Kreol which both take place in October.

The highlights of this year’s Seychelles-China Day will be the visit of two cultural troupes from the Chinese districts of Shunde and Chengdu. The Shunde Group will perform at the opening ceremony at Eden Island in the evening of Friday February 13 and during a Chinese bazaar at the National Cultural Centre the following day.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244409

Second Seychelles-China Day launched

14-February-2015


After being celebrated for the first time last year, the second Seychelles-China Day which coincides with the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival kicked off yesterday at the Eden Bleu Hotel.

The launch included an exhibition on China, performance by Chinese troupes ‘Shunde’ and ‘Chengdu’ as well as a cocktail. In a true spirit of cultural exchange, Chinese artists sung in Creole while the National Choir which is led by a Chinese director – Mrs Lownam, entertained the guests in Chinese. A Seychellois troupe, the ‘Lion Dancers’ had also welcomed the invitees with a show of Chinese art.

The ceremony was attended by President James Michel, former President James Mancham, acting Chief Justice Durai Karunakaran, government ministers, Chinese Ambassador Yin Lixian and other members of the diplomatic corps, members of the National Assembly, other government officials and a large part of the local Chinese community.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=244524

Vilaz Trezor gets playground

21-April-2015


Children living at Vilaz Trezor can now enjoy their free time on their new playground donated by the Chinese embassy.

The playground was officially opened by the Chinese ambassador to Seychelles Yin Lixian. It has been funded entirely by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and constructed by Sai-Fu Enterprise Co. Ltd. The project falls under the China-Africa programme through the People to People Friendship Action.

Present at the opening ceremony were the member of the National Assembly for English River Kevin Vidot, district administrator Audrey Sanders, general manager of Sai-Fu company Wang Zhongyao, and an official from Property Management Company (PMC) which manages the village’s housing estate.

“Children are the future of the country. We have learned that the English River district has done a lot for the healthy development of its children. We appreciate it and are therefore very willing and glad to give a hand,” said the Chinese ambassador.

She also expressed the wish that the playground becomes a place where the children can play and have real fun.
The ambassador also highlighted the very good relations that exist between China and Seychelles, adding that exchanges between the two countries are deepening with time. The Chinese embassy will continue to contribute towards the social development of Seychelles, she noted.

English River district administrator Audrey Sanders said as the plot of land was being used as a dumping site, the district approached its MNA to seek help to make better use of this plot for the benefit of the inhabitants there. The Chinese embassy was approached and hence the result.

“As there were demands from the community for educational or recreational sites for the youths, we found that location ideal for such purposes and to discourage bad uses,” she said.

Even if the playground is fenced off, it will remain open 24 hours a day. Ms Sanders is counting on the community especially parents to take care of the place and facilities and to keep an eye on their kids while there.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=245160

VP Faure consolidates special relationship between Seychelles and China

27-April-2015
VP Faure shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Li Yuanchao Vice-President Danny Faure has expressed the appreciation of the government and people of Seychelles for the contribution that China has made to the socio-economic development of the country.

Currently on mission to China at the invitation of the government of the People’s Republic of China, VP Faure made these remarks when he met his Chinese counterpart, Li Yuanchao, Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China and member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China-Central Committee, on Friday April 24 2015 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

VP Faure conveyed the warm wishes of President James Michel to President Xi Jinping and expressed the appreciation of the government and people of Seychelles for the contribution that China has made to the socio-economic development of the country. The Vice-President made mention of several infrastructural projects such as the Palais de Justice, the National Assembly building as well as primary and secondary schools all of which have been accomplished with Chinese help.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=245227

President James Michel meets Chinese Vice Foreign Minister

09-May-2015
‘China is crucial for the economic prosperity of Africa’

On an official tour of several African countries, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming paid a courtesy call on President James Michel yesterday at State House.

He was accompanied by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Seychelles, Yin Lixian.

President Michel welcomed Vice Minister Zhang Ming to Seychelles and said his visit shows the importance of relations between the two countries which he described as an excellent relationship that has been built over the years. The President thanked China for all the support it has provided to Seychelles in the past.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=245350

Seychelles, China seek to increase trade, investment

Some 30 local companies yesterday afternoon took part in a forum where they discussed business opportunities, trade and investment possibilities with Chinese businessmen from the Shandong Province city of Qingdao.

During the official opening of the business forum held at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa under the theme ‘New Business Silk Road to Qingdao new partners for economic cooperation’, three trade agreements were signed.

The first agreement is one between the Qingdao Bureau of commerce and the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI). It was signed by SCCI chairperson Marco Francis and Ma Weigang, the director general of Qingdao Bureau of Commerce.

The second agreement is a strategic cooperation framework between Qingjian International Group Co.Ltd and the Capital Management and Consultancy Ltd represented by Mukesh Valabhji.

The third signing is related to a distribution agreement between Hisense Group and Fairmart represented by its general manager Cliff Cupidon.
Mr Francis said these agreements will strengthen trade relations with China.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=245384

Comment - In part what caused the destruction of our old Forum board were our Seychelles Chinese issue which we had been covering/monitoring for many years very unlike many in Seychelles, the USA, Britain, France and EU who monitored them - the acquisition of that mega platform , those who cashed on it because it was hosted in USA, creamed and milked it then destroyed it.

We have addressed the Chinese government openly the important impacts and role of that SIROP program be it form an Indian ocean prospective or European - requesting that they take contact with us - the above article this morning.

Be it at our Forums BRICS and SIROP platform BRICS section have questioned the benchmark the BRICS nations intend to put into place as against the world Bank and IMF and UN institutions.

In China the Government do not hesitate to Try and execute their high officials if caught in corruptions, the case of the North Korea Defense Minister this morning. The Chinese need to impress and stress to Seychelles government this cannot go on business as usual.