India Commonwealth Business Forum in Chennai Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Cultural Ties between India and Seychelles

Chennai, August 23, 2024: The India Commonwealth Business Forum was held  with a focus on enhancing economic cooperation and cultural ties between India and Seychelles. The event, hosted at the prestigious Taj Coramandel, marked the inauguration of a series of discussions aimed at fostering deeper bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The forum was inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the playing of the national anthems of India and Seychelles, setting a tone of mutual respect and friendship.  The forum began with a warm welcome address by Mr. Karunanithy Vaithiyanathasamy, the Honorary Trade Commissioner of the India Commonwealth Trade Council and a prominent figure in the Ram and Ram Group Seychelles. Mr. Vaithiyanathasamy emphasized the importance of strengthening business ties and exploring untapped potential between the two nations.

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The theme of the forum, "India-Seychelles Relations – Way Forward," was set by Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization. Dr. Iqbal highlighted the historical and strategic importance of the relationship, underscoring the need for continued cooperation in various sectors.

The event featured a keynote speech by Her Excellency Mrs. Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India, who spoke on the evolving dynamics of India-Seychelles relations and the shared vision for a prosperous future. stressing the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development.Seychelles has all kinds of facilities and environment to start a business. This can be used by Indian business investors and business entrepreneurs. She said a delegation from the Commonwealth Trade Council of India would visit Seychelles in October to initiate the process.

A major highlight of the evening was the official launch of the "India Seychelles Report 2024,".The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of India-Seychelles relations and offers strategic recommendations for future engagement. 

The forum also explored the rich cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu and its strong connections with the global diaspora. The discussion shed light on how these cultural ties can further enhance bilateral relations between India and Seychelles, particularly through people-to-people connections.

The India Commonwealth Trade council also proposed to set up and incubation centre in Seychelles based on the lines of the one set up in Zanzibar. This incubation centre will help build the human capital of the people of Seychelles. The MOU will be signed between the Indian Commonwealth Trade Council and The High Commissioner of Seychelles regarding this proposal. The High Commissioner of Seychelles had positive and fruitful discussions with IIT, Chennai this morning and she has agreed to collaborate on inviting the Indian talent for building the human capability and human potential in Seychelles. The team from the Indian Commonwealth Trade Council will be travelling to Seychelles in October to initiate this process.

The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. J. Ranganathan, Secretary-General of the India Commonwealth Trade Council. The India Commonwealth Business Forum-Seychelles stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles. It sets the stage for future engagements aimed at mutual growth and prosperity.

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