The Republic of Seychelles inked memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on jointly developing the Belt and Road with China during the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) .
Photo taken on Aug. 27, 2018 shows coastal ceneryin La Digue, Seychelles. (Xinhua/Lyu Shuai) (lrz)
Economy
Heavily dependent on the services industry including tourism, Seychelles is a market driven, mixed developing economy. Fisheries and maritime activities also contribute heavily to the economy. Seychelles greatly rely on international trade with petroleum, machinery and consumables. Tuna, frozen fish, essential oils and copra, as well as spices are exported to major destinations such as the UAE, UK, Italy, Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Our Gross National income per capita is greatly higher than that which is evident in other African countries and despite trade deficits the economy experiences steady growth, with the GDP growing rapidly than the population.
The services sector including tourism industry contributes greatly to the economy including the growth of GDP and contributes to the country's employment needs with almost three-fourths of the country's employment needs being fulfilled by the sector. The idyllic location, views and natural bounties of the archipelago, as well as the luxury hospitality industry, attracts thousands of holiday goers and travellers who enjoy a myriad of recreational and sporting activities in and around the islands.
With modern facilities in the industry, fisheries have become a growing sector that contributes to the overall economic stability.
Processing of food, animal feed, paint and other goods production, manufacture of alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks makes up for a fair portion in terms of its contribution to the GDP. The visible trade deficit is compensated by the income generated through tourism activities and also from aid and investments.
Culture
The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colourful blend of peoples of different races, cultures and religions. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture.
One can see these influences at work throughout the domains of local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture.
The architectural design of some of the grand old houses with their steep roofs are representative of a style adapted for comfortable living in the tropics that displays influences from Seychelles’ French and British colonial heritage. Modern architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles with practical features designed to capture the island breezes.
Local artists continue to exhibit diverse styles that echo the multi-ethnic backdrop of the islands and bear testament to the various influences which have come to bear. Creole music and dance have their roots in African, Malagasy and European cultures with rhythms traditionally accompanied by simple drums and string instruments which, today, include such recent imports as the violin and guitar.
The traditional moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery and still features today, together with the sega with its colourful lyrics; the kanmtole, reminiscent of a country reel, and the Kontredanse, an import from the French court.
Source: www.seyhighcomsl.lk
www.seychelles.travel/en
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