World Bank Executive Director Discusses the Seychelles Blue Economy Programme with representatives from the Blue Economy Department

On Monday 14^th June 2021, the World Bank Group Executive Director, Mr. Taufila Nyamadzabo, accompanied by his Advisor, Mr. Azhari Elamin, met with the Principal Secretary of the Department of Blue Economy Mr Kenneth Racombo and his team to discuss the Seychelles Blue Economy Programme. In attendance was also the Principal Secretary for Fisheries Mr. Roy Clarrisse.

PS Racombo briefed the delegation on the ongoing Blue Economy initiatives being undertaken by Seychelles and expressed appreciation on the financial support extended by the World Bank Group through the third South-West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and Shared Growth Project (SWIOfish3).

Discussions and briefings focussed on the following:

• strengthening and exploration of existing and emerging sectors, respectively, in the Blue economy;
• Development of the Marine Biotechnology sector;
• Maritime Boundary delimitation and management of Extended Continental Shelves;
• Promoting transparency and good governance in the Fisheries and Extractive industries;
• Value Chain in the Fisheries sector;
• Marine Scientific Research.

The Department of the Blue Economy and the World Bank Group representatives equally discussed possible support and explored further assistance and collaboration to complement Seychelles’ efforts to achieve sustainable transformation and diversification of its economy.  Specific requirements for additional support were to facilitate: the development of small entrepreneurs in the field of marine biotechnology; the integration of the circular economy concept in local business models and; capacity building in the blue economy.