VICTORIA, Seychelles, In a significant step towards fostering stronger ties between Seychelles and China, Chinese ambassador to Seychelles, Lin Nan, paid a courtesy call on Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment. The meeting, held yesterday morning, marked the beginning of a promising collaboration between the two nations in environmental and agricultural initiatives. Both parties noted that the existing relationship has served as a solid foundation for new areas of cooperation.
Accompanying Minister Joubert were Catherina Bonnelame, the executive director of the ministry, and Davis Mathiot, third secretary of Bilateral Affairs. Together, they welcomed Ambassador Lin Nan, who expressed her enthusiasm to reinforce the longstanding bilateral relationship that has thrived between Seychelles and China for the past 45 years. Notably, this relationship has facilitated significant expertise and knowledge exchange across various sectors, underscoring the mutual benefits derived from collaboration. The ambassador emphasised that her visit was an opportunity to renew the partnership and to identify new areas of joint work.
Minister Joubert outlined three key agenda items for discussion with Ambassador Lin. Firstly, he emphasised the importance of accelerating the South-South Low Carbon Pilot Project. This initiative holds great promise for enhancing Seychelles’ energy efficiency, aligning with the nation’s commitment to sustainability as articulated in its National Determined Contribution. He also highlighted China’s global leadership in renewable energy manufacturing, proposing exploration of opportunities in the Chinese market to support Seychelles’ energy goals.
Secondly, Minister Joubert aims to revisit and revitalise the memorandum of understanding (MoU) previously signed with the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) in Hainan, China, before the Covid outbreak. Recognising the shared climate characteristics between Seychelles and Hainan, the Agriculture department is eager to collaborate and explore opportunities in climate-smart agriculture, innovative crop production techniques, and educational activities. The third agenda item focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with a particular emphasis on integrating the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH) into the programme.
In a promising conclusion, both delegates agreed to explore the possibility of organising a trade fair, in collaboration with Devika Vidot, Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry. Such an event aims to connect investors and suppliers across various markets, including agriculture, fostering economic growth and sustainability. As Seychelles and China embark on this journey of collaboration, they reaffirm their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The meeting was described by both sides as productive, and a follow-up session is expected to take place within the next three months.
