The Seychellois government is hoping to see more investment from
China which is helpful to the development of the country's economy,
Foreign Minster Patrick Pillay told Xinhua in an exclusive
interview on Tuesday.
Pillay said this is in line not only with President James
Michel's vision of encouraging more investment to the country but
also with China's policy of developing relations with Africa which
was announced earlier this year.
The minister said China and Seychelles have established
diplomatic relations for 30 years and the relations of the two
countries have always been very good.
"Seychelles was assisted by China in a number of domains in
development of our infrastructure, training, education, health,
etc," he said.
Besides investment, Seychelles also hopes that there will be
more Chinese tourists and the government is looking into how to
promote the country in China, Pillay said.
He said China has always played an important role on the African
continent.
"Last century, China has helped African countries gain
independence from colonial rule," Pillay said.
Now, China has another important role to play in Africa to help
the continent achieve independence economically, the minister
said.
And China is investing more in Africa to help the continent to
stand on its own legs, he said.
He pointed out that African countries have the right to choose
their partners no matter it is China or other countries.
Meanwhile, Pillay said African countries should also change
their attitude towards development.
"The important thing for African countries is not only to seek
aid but also to be able to see how investment can be used to have
sustainable economy," the minister said.
"African countries should make full use of its natural resources
and add value to them instead of just sending primary resources
out," he said.
After Michel's reelection as the president of the country,
Pillay said Seychelles would maintain its foreign policy based on
friendly ties with all countries.
He said the Seychellois government would consistently support
one-China policy and would like to see China's peaceful
reunification with Taiwan, which he said could be achieved through
dialogue sooner or later.
He said Seychelles would promote the principle of rule of law,
democracy and good governance. At the same time, the country would
make its presence more felt in the region.
"We want to reinforce cooperation within the region in tourism,
fishery, trade and commerce. We want to increase exchange between
countries in the region," the minister said.
(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2006)
