Bangladesh, Seychelles discuss to boost trade ties

Textiles, the workforce, tourism, and the fisheries industry were the main areas of cooperation discussed between Bangladesh and Seychelles

Newly accredited Bangladeshi high commissioner Abdul Manna Howlader presented his credentials to President of Seychelles Danny Faure at State House, Victoria, this week, according to a report by http://allafrica.com.

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa.

It's home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria.

Seychelles president Faure said, "I wish to acknowledge the harmonious bilateral relationship which currently exists between our two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in February 1983," according to a press communique from State House,

Faure added that "I wish to renew our commitment to working with you in reinforcing bilateral relations in existing and further areas of cooperation."

Howlader said, "President of Seychelles expressed his willingness to import some textile goods to his country from Bangladesh."

With regard to the population of Bangladesh, the High Commissioner said that there are Bangladeshi workers in most countries of the world and Seychelles is no exception.

"We know that [Seychelles is] in need of skilled workforce especially and we have a lot. Since Seychelles has signed and is maintaining the International Labor Organisation Conventions, it was assured that there will be no discrimination against Bangladeshi working in Seychelles," said Howlader.

Other areas of interest to the two countries include the tourism industry of Seychelles, where the Bangladeshi High Commissioner said his country can learn from the practices of the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

Tourism is the main pillar of Seychelles' economy, followed by fisheries.

Howlader added that fishery is another area of cooperation that the two countries can engage in as Bangladesh has a lot of fish processing plants.

The newly accredited high commissioner will serve a term of three years and will be based in Port Louis, Mauritius.