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Doing business & staying in touch

Businessmen do not wear suits and ties, although a smart appearance is advised. Most executives speak English and/or French.

Office hours: 

Mon-Fri 0800-1600.

Economy: 

Tourism is the largest industry in the Seychelles; it now accounts for over 20% of GDP. The service sector as a whole covers three-quarters of the economy. In 2007, GDP growth was 5.8% and inflation was 2.9%.

Fishing has become increasingly important from the 1980s onwards, both through expansion of domestic operations and the lucrative sale of licences to foreign fleets.

Industry comprises a small mining sector plus light and small-scale industries including food and drinks (notably a tuna-canning operation) and boat-building. There is also a thriving re-export business based on a recently established export-processing zone.

The economy's heavy dependence on tourism makes it especially vulnerable to external factors (such as the 9/11 attacks on the USA).

The economy contracted by 2.8% in 2005. The main financial problem is the size of the country's external debt. The Seychelles must import many essential products (an expensive process given the islands' location) and this consumes the bulk of the foreign exchange earned from tourism.

GDP: 

US$733 million (2007).

Main exports: 

Canned tuna, fish, prawns and re-exports of petroleum.

Main imports: 

Food and live animals, manufactured goods, fuel and machinery.

Main trading partners: 

UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Italy and Spain.

Mobile phone: 

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies.

Internet: 

There are several Internet cafes on Mahé. Most of the larger hotels have arrangements for visitors to obtain a temporary guest account.

Post: 

The main post office is in Victoria. Airmail collections are at 1500 weekdays and 1200 Saturdays; airmail to Western Europe normally takes up to one week.

Post office hours: 

Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200.

Media: 

The government controls much of the islands' media, and operates the only radio and TV stations and the sole daily newspaper. SBC operates national mediumwave (AM) services and music station Paradise FM; the BBC World Service and Radio France Internationale are available via FM relays. State-run SBC TV is operated by Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Seychelles Nation is an English-language newspaper (morning daily except on Sundays); Regar is an opposition weekly publication.

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