National Economic Planning Council

Seychelles Nation - 28.07.2007
President appoints additional members to broaden consultation process
President James A Michel has appointed two additional members on the National Economic Planning Council (NEPC) to broaden the consultation process on the national economy, investment and business.

The new members are Dr Rolph Payet, special adviser President’s Office, and Mr Albert Payet, chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

The President said in making the new appointments: “With the implementation of major policy changes in the last few years, Seychelles has experienced a significant increase in investor confidence resulting in greater diversification of economic activities. The expertise and experience of the new members will further enhance the country’s economic potential”.

The President set up the NEPC last year to become the central forum for discussing economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations. It provides policy guidance and recommendations to the authorities on economic and related issues in order to achieve stable growth consistent with the pursuit of sustainable socio-economic development, and attain the highest possible level of employment, and a fair distribution of income.

The enlargement of the NEPC comes in the wake of the meeting the President had with members of the SCCI on Monday. After the meeting SCCI’s secretary, Mr Bernard Pool, declared that the government was now more friendly to business than before.

The full composition of the NEOC is as follows:

President J Michel   
(Chairman)

Vice-President J Belmont 

Mr Danny Faure   
Minister for Finance

Mr Jacquelin Dugasse  
Minister for National Development

Mr Francis Chang Leng  
Governor Central Bank of Seychelles

Capt David Savy   
Chief Executive Officer, Air Seychelles

Capt Guy Adam   
Chief Executive Officer, SEYPEC

Mr Maurice Loustau-Lalanne 
Chief Executive Officer, STB

Mr Rolph Payet   
Special Adviser, President Office

Mr Jean Weeling-Lee  
Private Sector Representative

Mr John Esther   
Private Sector Representative

Mr Albert Payet   
SCCI chairman

Mr Ho Kwon Ping   
Banyan Tree Holdings Limited chairman

Mr Adolfo Valescchi  
Chief Executive Officer, MW Brands

Miss Caroline Abel  
Council Secretary