The Seychellois government is hoping to see more investment from China which is helpful to the development of the country's economy, Foreign Minster Patrick Pillay told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

 

Pillay said this is in line not only with President James Michel's vision of encouraging more investment to the country but also with China's policy of developing relations with Africa which was announced earlier this year.

 

The minister said China and Seychelles have established diplomatic relations for 30 years and the relations of the two countries have always been very good.

 

"Seychelles was assisted by China in a number of domains in development of our infrastructure, training, education, health, etc," he said.

 

Besides investment, Seychelles also hopes that there will be more Chinese tourists and the government is looking into how to promote the country in China, Pillay said.

 

He said China has always played an important role on the African continent.

 

"Last century, China has helped African countries gain independence from colonial rule," Pillay said.

 

Now, China has another important role to play in Africa to help the continent achieve independence economically, the minister said.

 

And China is investing more in Africa to help the continent to stand on its own legs, he said.

 

He pointed out that African countries have the right to choose their partners no matter it is China or other countries.

 

Meanwhile, Pillay said African countries should also change their attitude towards development.

 

"The important thing for African countries is not only to seek aid but also to be able to see how investment can be used to have sustainable economy," the minister said.

 

"African countries should make full use of its natural resources and add value to them instead of just sending primary resources out," he said.

 

After Michel's reelection as the president of the country, Pillay said Seychelles would maintain its foreign policy based on friendly ties with all countries.

 

He said the Seychellois government would consistently support one-China policy and would like to see China's peaceful reunification with Taiwan, which he said could be achieved through dialogue sooner or later.

 

He said Seychelles would promote the principle of rule of law, democracy and good governance. At the same time, the country would make its presence more felt in the region.

 

"We want to reinforce cooperation within the region in tourism, fishery, trade and commerce. We want to increase exchange between countries in the region," the minister said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2006)