Though the population of Seychelles is as few as 90,000 since the tourist arrivals to the archipelago exceeds that of its population, Sri Lanka could benefit more by trade with this country, says a senior Seychelles government official.

Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Small Enterprise Promotion Agency Penny C. Belmont stated this in Colombo.

She added that currently Seychelles attracts around 300,000 tourists annually and they believe that this number would increase considerably in the future.

Ms. Belmont added that hence, there are more opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to come to the Seychelles and provide services to these tourists.

Most items needed by the Seychelles are currently being imported and hence Sri Lanka has better opportunities in exporting the island’s spices like cinnamon etc to the Seychelles, Ms. Belmont told adaderanabiz.lk

The state of Seychelles is the best entry point to the African continent and that the per capita income is around USD 25,000, she added.

Currently, Sri Lankan institutions including a branch of the Bank of Ceylon are active in the Seychelles.

Ms. Belmont denied allegations that the Seychelles government is involved in money laundering activities.