Mahe (Seyechelles), Sept 10: Giving a boost to bilateral ties, India and Seychelles today signed four major agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation and decided to strengthen trade and investment possibilities between the two countries. The agreements signed during the third day of Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat's visit to the island nation also include a cultural exchange programme for 2003-2005, MoUs on cooperation in science and technology and health cooperation. The two sides also agreed to finalise a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) at an early date to enhance trade cooperation.
The Indian delegation also held talks on trade, commerce, investment, technical assistance, oceanography, health, manpower development, culture, defence cooperation, as also regional and international issues. Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen trade and investment possibilities and to hold a meeting of the joint trade committee, focusing on pharmaceuticals, information technology, Agro-based industries, plastic technology and production of paper and paper-related products.
India would also consider favourably the deputation of India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) experts in key sectors identified by Seychelles, according to a joint statement issued today.
Bureau Report