“Let us enter together into the future filled with many promises . To explore it together. Let us see the opportunities that exists. Let us seize them! “ said the President during his opening address.

The President said that the EXPO theme “Touch the Future” represents the future he is offering to the new generation of entrepreneurs as well as the youth which is looking for new opportunities to shine in Seychelles and in the Indian Ocean. He announced that in the next 5 years the Government would be constructing 2,066 new houses, which forms part of the New Seychelles that all Seychellois are called on to build together. 

“There is something for every Seychellois, without exception… this calls for everyone to share in the New Seychelles we are building. The New Seychelles represents an investment in ourselves. An investment in our children. We are investing in our victory - the victory of the Seychellois people,” said President Michel.

The President said that Seychelles2020 EXPO is the fruit of a vision, of an ambition and collective work which took inspiration from previous projects that remain relevant today.

“ We have accomplished most of the objectives of “Aspiration 2013”, and what remains will be completed. In terms of “Strategy 2017”, we have succeeded in accomplishing certain targets earlier than was forecast. The rest will be incorporated in the new National Development Strategy which is entirely complimented by Seychelles2020 EXPO.”

The President said that the Government is continuously working to create better conditions for the Seychellois nation to take ownership of the economy and create more prosperity and wellbeing for the country.

“ For this reason I have asked the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank to introduce a mechanism which will enable small and medium size businesses to have access with bank loans at better rates. We are continuously working for this New Seychelles.”