COMMERCIAL BRIEF ON SEYCHELLES

 

            Seychelles is a small country of scattered islands with a population of about 80,000.  Though the people enjoy a very high per capita income and are extremely quality conscious, the market size is very small.  More than 90% of all goods, equipment and food items are met from imports from different countries including India.  India’s share of the import market of about $350 million annually is in the range of about 3%, which is very modest.  India is in a position to meet much of Seychelles needs.  However in the past, India’s comparative advantage in terms of distance was offset by lack of direct shipping and air links. This problem would now be partially resolved with the start of direct flight between Seychelles and Chennai by the end of 2001. 

               Business and trading houses desirous of entering the Seychelles market may contact the following organizations directly.   

 

1.     Seychelles Marketing Board  

P.O. Box 516, Victoria, Mahe.

Seychelles.

Tel: 00-248- 285000

Fax: 00-248- 224735

Email: smb01@seychelles.net

 

            SMB is a state-trading organization that has the monopoly to import all essential items into Seychelles, including food items.

 

                                2.  Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and           

                                     Industries

                                     [ Mr. Bernard Pool, Chairman ]

                                     2nd Floor, Ebrahim Building,

                                     Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

                                     Tel: 00-248-323812

                                     Fax: 00-248-321422

                                     Email: scci@seychelles.net

 

   3.   Association of Small Business 

                                      P.O. Box 256, Plaisance, Mahe.

Fax: 00-248-344761

Email:  asb@seychelles.net

 

 

            Seychelles has also set up the Seychelles International Trade Zone, which is administered by the Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA).  Seychelles is a member of the regional groupings like the SADC, COMESA, IOR-ARC, Lome Convention, which links it economically and commercially to other member countries.

 

 

             Seychelles International Business Authority [SIBA]

 

            SIBA is essentially a one-stop shop, licensing and regulating primary offshore activities.  It is the Registrar for International Business Companies and trusts and regulates International trade Zone activities.  Through a blending of dedicated professionals and efficient systems, SIBA provides swift name approvals, incorporation and licensing with minimal bureaucracy.  SIBA is said to be one of the fastest Registrars in the world that issues certificates of incorporation within an hour.  The Co-ordinates of SIBA are P.O. Box 991, Roche Caiman, Mahe. Tel: 00-248-380800, Fax: 00-248-380888

Email: siba@seychelles.net

Website: http://www.seychelles.net/siba

 

 

 

 

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