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In putting together the corporate page of the Republic visitors may wander what is the objective of such disorderly names and colors, One of the early place one learn about business and economy is in the kindergarten children playing using building blocks. We belong to the generation who remembered the old colonial business and economy 1950’s up to the development of Tourism and the Fishing industry which started in the late 60’s early 70’s. Events and development in East Africa influenced the next stage of our business and economic development. These former colonies of Britain, France and others were all demanding independence, the business and economic upheavals which followed. Those that had migrated from East Africa to start and resettle in Seychelles, their business contribution, building of light Industry, mostly Seychellois, then British. From the mainly agriculture based economy with the impute of the East African foundation were laid for business of pre independence. Many of them are still there today, they were different breed of business man. Another aspect which contributed to Seychelles early - late seventy business foundation was the USAF Tracking facilities . (The Seychelles almost went down the road to unilateral independence to avert impending economic and political fiasco). In terms of business foundation up and until independence the Italians is due most of the credit, then the German/Austrian, other European national.
With the debate wether we ought to remain under the crown and develop a kind of Hong Kong style of politic and economy, the demand of independence by the majority, British government gift of the New Port/ Harbour and the building of an International Air Port, the development of four over 150 beds Hotel - Sir James Mancham government to promote Seychelles as a unique Tourist destination brought a new dimension to Seychelles economy and business. Everything crashed after events of 5th June 1977. Shortly after most of these hotel project were nationalized, Several of not just British but Seychelles businessman found themselves forced out of the country and exile - next was the acquisition of the large Estate by the government and introduction of one party State and Central planned Economy management.
Over the next 15 years saw the setting up of several important Parastatals upon which the Seychelles economy was remodel. Public infrastructures, road, water and power system, health, refuge system, overseas representation - Consulate opened, education local and abroad of Seychellois managers and executives, awareness of the nation ecology, self sufficiency, financial institution infrastructure and air ports, Tourism and fishing infrastructures, the craft industry the 2nd Republic build its economy upon . For the purpose of those who do not know and ill informed - the significant involvement of certain Italian families, institutions to build not just Seychelles but a great aspect of our regional and international business connections - Services. The Seychelles government and citizens involved in international and multinational business. This in the form of GRM Conglomerate today with tentacles all over the world until 1991. The Chinese, Indian merchant families had been reigned in. It also saw the birth of a more dynamic building industry in involving the Indian company and Chinese mostly. In colonial days this was control by French Kier, Costain Group, Laxmambhai, Italian, German, Seychellois company Petit & Dumbleton among others.
Most politicians are in the business of claiming credit, what they do not say the important contributions the Exile made in spite of bitter enmity. (Their unique role in changes in Poland - the COMECON, the Fall of Berlin Wall - Germany reunification, the Treuhand, changes in Soviet Union and OAU) The Exile decided in 1987 to implement a none violent exile return program started under the name of SIROP later joined/supported by CDU/SNM/MPR/ Alliance/DP/SNP/ former Minister Mr Andre Uzice Party, beside the return of the exile and reintroduction of multi party 1991 - it called for the implementation of a number of economic package, measures and projects totaling some $500 - $800 millions (X 3-4) over the next 10-15 years (by British Standard this would have to be multiply by 3/4, example the project cost of the Channel Tunnel nearing £15 billions still not finish) supported by the International communities as sugar and carrot for President FA Rene government. A very great deal had to be done, setting in place globally and regionally of appropriate corporate and economic networks, again among one of the most important contributors and player was the GRM Conglomerate. Most important they contributed to a long lasting support of economic support from the European Union, they contributed importantly to putting in place of the RIM Association which the many parties in Seychelles have failed to grasp, make use of. They contributed to Heinz venturing to Seychelles and taking over the Tuna Operation, Their contribution to set up a Seychelles Stock market, their important contribution not just in Seychelles but for the whole world to put together the World Wide Web upon which most modern economy is based and the future of the world economy. Their very important contribution to President FA Rene decision to put in place the Phase lll Development program. They have equally contributed importantly that some of the leading Mauritius family - company invest in long term business in Seychelles. In the 3rd Seychelles Republic economic model other nationals are also involved, Maldives, South African, Gulf Region citizens, Mauritian, Greek, Italian, Russian, former COMECON citizens, Chinese, British, French, Austrian, Australian, AU nationalities, Korean. There is a strong emphasis to develop and build a strong NGO infrastructure to contribute to economic and business building. The corporate world, the EU changed significantly after 7/11/2001
Most importantly the Seychelles exile, migrant communities have underline, proved the UN, World Bank , UNDP , UNIDO, EU argument that exile communities, migrant can contribute importantly to building national economy. (They have contributed to building significant economic and corporate synergy used to build several Regional leading National Economy)
The Seychelles exile, migrant have lent important support, contribution to the setting up of and African Union and the fight to write off a massive part of Africa debt, the Edinburg G8 Summit. China strong commitment to building the appropriate platform in Seychelles (to facilitate its African Union economic and Corporate interest.)
The Seychelles economy is being rebuild, particularly after the earthquake and Tsunami of 2004/5, the Government have embarked upon privatization, important building program. There are great and grave concern that most of these opportunities will pass by the average Seychellois - foreigners will benefit instead, the development of Offshore Services and a more top of the range Tourist destination is taking place. Other measurers for international investors to establish themselves in the Republic. A great deal of legislation in line with regional and international business practice adopted. Infrastructures rebuild -set in place to support such economy. Referring to UN, UNIDO, UNDP other international agencies we knew that there would be a great deal of unfair economic disadvantage for the returning Exile for many years to come, we knew - debated about it in 1985. Given this situation the Opposition and Exile should unite and call for the setting in place of an Economic Council to address these imbalance, the national concern of foreign invasion. The UN and EU institutions must be called upon to support such a Council. 22/03/07
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