Standing by the Private Sector

My commitment to the private sector as the engine of economic growth is 100%. I am proud that the SNP has been in the forefront of economic liberalisation and it is a commitment that we will pursue in Government.

Nowadays, we hear quite often the phrase ‘the private sector is the motor of the economy.’ It’s good that the ruling party has come round to this point of view - until a couple of years back, it was not the case.

However, there is still a gulf between theory and practice. Take for example the Chamber of Commerce. This organisation has for years been a strong voice for the private sector. Recently, with interference from both politics and government, it has lost its role, with the result that it is no longer a useful voice but goes along with everything that the government says.

The Chamber of Commerce is one organisation that the SNP considers very important in building the right economic climate. It needs to be a body that is properly set up with full-time workers focussing on various areas of trade, commerce, business opportunities and investment. The country needs a private professional body that challenges, proposes and takes initiatives. In a sense, we need an organisation that is as active as the STB in tourism.

A strong Chamber of Commerce should be one of the principal representations on an Economic Council that will meet and discuss with Government to map out economic growth.

One place where a great gulf exists is simply in mapping out the road ahead. At present, there is no single body where the private sector and Government meet to create and exchange ideas, weigh options, and reach a consensus on where we need to go. Everything of this sort is still firmly under Government control and that is a major weakness. There is no sharing of a plan for development.

I firmly believe that we can have a strong and vibrant economy, looking forward to the future. But we must map the road ahead together as a country. One political party cannot do it right if it does it alone.

At the moment, President Michel is keeping it to himself, to the extent of arguing that economic growth needs continuity, meaning that he has to stay in power. ‘Don’t rock the boat’, he said at the investment forum this week.

A change of Government in a democratic country is not rocking the boat. Mr. Michel is obviously not making any allowances for democracy.

For Seychelles, a change of Government now is exactly what is required. It will strengthen and confirm our democratic system. It will be a display of real stability. Investors and businessmen need the demonstration of political stability which an orderly change of Government can bring.

We have always advocated that economic development is protected and advanced by democratic progress. The strengthening of democratic institutions removes favouritism, unfair competition and poor standards. A bad judiciary will not protect investment just as unfair laws will not protect workers. The SNP will continue to strive for the best for the private sector and the country.

We will continue to encourage clean, serious and law abiding investors, both local and foreign to develop partnerships and bring in their investment while ensuring that the Seychelles private sector emerges as the real force in our country’s economic development. I believe this can happen. Let the real stability come on the 21st May 2011.