Chinese Embassy Hosts Spring Festival Reception at Eden Blue Hotel in Eden Island

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2 years ago

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, and Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr Han Zheng, today broke ground on a new 72 housing units project at Beolière, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to deliver 2,500 homes by 2028. This reinforces the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Seychellois families and strengthening the enduring partnership between Seychelles and China. The high-level ceremony which formally launched construction under the China Aid Programme, was attended by Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet Ministers and Members of the National Assembly. The Beolière project forms part of a broader Seychelles–China cooperation framework that will deliver a total of 141 units, including an additional 69 units at Cap Bonm Zan in Anse Royale representing a meaningful boost to the country’s housing stock and continued progress towards addressing national housing demand. Designed as a modern residential community, the development will include essential infrastructure such as wastewater systems, green spaces and recreational areas, aiming to provide not just housing, but dignified sustainable and community-oriented living environments. Speaking to the media, Vice-President Pillay, who oversees the lands and housing portfolio, reaffirmed that expanding access to affordable housing remains a central government priority, noting that the project reflects tangible progress in improving living conditions and delivering real outcomes for Seychellois families. Vice-President Zheng’s presence testifies the strength of bilateral ties and the strategic role of Chinese support in national development. The partnership has consistently delivered high-impact infrastructure and social projects across Seychelles, reflecting a relationship built on mutual respect, shared priorities and long-term cooperation. Arriving from Kenya on the final leg of his official Africa tour, Vice-President Zheng’s visit aims to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet President Herminie at State House tomorrow, Sunday, 29 March, and to tour key historic and cultural sites, and as well as Chinese-funded projects including the SBC House. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and China, highlighting a longstanding partnership and renewed momentum to future cooperation in areas that directly support national development and improve the lives of Seychellois citizens.

VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Chinese embassy in Seychelles hosted a special reception at the Eden Blue Hotel, Eden Island, yesterday evening to mark the beginning of the Chinese Spring Festival season.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year or Lunar Year, is the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar and the longest. The vibrant traditional festival allows Chinese citizens to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new one in the presence of families and friends. The Chinese ambassador, Lin Nan, addressed the guests and highlighted the deepening of China-Seychelles relations, including the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership announced jointly by President Xi Jinping and President Wavel Ramkalawan in September 2024.

The reception was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Chinese community in Seychelles and Seychellois friends of China. Festivities will continue in the coming days, with a Seychelles-China bazaar planned for January 25 and the Clock Tower in Victoria to be lit up in red on January 26. The Year of the Snake begins on January 29.