The James Michel Foundation commends Thai Union and the Societe Seychelloise d’Investissement for the high level symposium on “Blue Economy Sustainable Tuna (BEST) in Seychelles” held on March 27 at the Eden Bleu Hotel on Mahe.

The gathering took stock of the progress in sustainable management of marine resources, with particular emphasis on tuna fishing which is the second pillar of the Seychelles economy and the lifeblood of Thai Union in Seychelles.  It highlighted the progress and challenges in infrastructure development, utilities, stakeholders’ concerns, financing as well as the vast opportunities that the blue economy sector present for Seychelles and its people. Several government departments and agencies appraised the participants on their respective plans and strategies for supporting the many initiatives in the Blue Economy sector.

Some participants were concerned with the high cost of utilities; particularly electricity which they claim contributes to increasing the cost of doing business in Seychelles. There were proposals that PUC considers more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for generating clean electricity.

Thai Union Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Thiraphong Chansiri, who was present for the whole day says his group, which is the largest producer of seafood based products in the world is proud for contributing to make the Seychelles fisheries sector more sustainable everyday and fully embrace the objectives of the BEST meeting.

The symposium coincides with Mr. Chansiri’s announcement of a 30 million Euro investment in Indian Ocean Tuna ltd, the second largest tuna canning factory in the world.

The Executive Chairman of the James Michel Foundation, former President of the Republic, Mr. James Michel himself, says “the objectives of the BEST symposium mirrors the vision of the foundation which is guided by a commitment to promote the Blue Economy concept, both in its national and international aspects, to sensitise people about climate change and its impacts on Seychelles and the world, to promote environmental protection and sustainable development and defend and promote the cause of small island developing states”.

The foundation also takes note and commends the different organisations, institutions and hard working individuals who through their presentations and passion promoted the blue economy concept and created more awareness on the sustainable development and exploitation of marine resources.