Ambassador Anne Lafortune represents Seychelles at the Forum on China-Africa Coordination (FOCAC) Coordinators meeting in Changsha
On Wednesday 11th June 2025, Ambassador Anne Lafortune, the Seychelles Resident Ambassador in Beijing, People's Republic of China, attended the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Coordination (FOCAC) Summit, the latter was held in Beijing in September 2024.
The meeting took stock of the current achievements since the 2024 FOCAC Summit, and discussed ways to advance the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and its Action Plan (2025-2027), which outlined China-Africa cooperation for the three years.
The platform, which will commemorate its 25th anniversary since its establishment in October 2000, remains an important mechanism of collaboration between China and African nations, focusing on a win-win partnership and mutual prosperity.
In her statement, Ambassador Lafortune reaffirmed Seychelles' commitment to the implementation of the principles and objectives of the FOCAC, which continue to unlock Africa's full potential. She commended President Xi's ten (10) partnership actions announced in September 2024, which responded to the evolving and distinct development needs of African countries. She also stated that 'Seychelles is proud to be part of this transformative endeavour'.
She further emphasised that as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles values the support of the Government of China, which aligns closely with its national development strategy. Highlighting the excellent Sino-Seychelles relations, which have flourished over the years, creating pathways for sustainable growth and development, as the two countries near the significant milestone of 50 years of diplomatic ties next year.
Ambassador Lafortune will also attend the special sessions of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), under the theme 'China and Africa: Together Towards Modernisation', supporting the economic and trade initiatives defined in the Ten Partnership Action. The Expo
Ambassador Lafortune is accompanied by Ms. Wendy Isnard, Director of Bilateral Affairs in the Foreign Affairs Department and other staff from the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
Seychelles Trading Corporation Unveils State-of-the-Art Cold Storage Facility to Strengthen National Food Security
The Seychelles Trading Corporation (STC) marked a major milestone in the nation's drive for food security on Friday morning with the official inauguration of its state-of-the-art cold storage facility at Bois de Rose. The ceremony was led by President Wavel Ramkalawan, joined by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan and Vice President Ahmed Afif, and heralded a significant upgrade in the country's food preservation and supply capabilities. Entirely financed by STC at a cost of SCR 110 million, the new facility is the corporation's most substantial infrastructure investment to date. Purpose-built to store fruits, vegetables, and meat products, it is designed to maintain robust food reserves while ensuring adherence to high standards of quality and safety for the Seychellois population. The inauguration featured a symbolic unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by President Ramkalawan, Vice President Afif, STC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ashik Hassan, and STC Board Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Umarji. The occasion underscored the government's steadfast commitment to upgrading critical infrastructure in support of national food security. "It is with great honour that we have managed to build this facility, demonstrating that STC has invested in something truly beneficial for our nation," said President Ramkalawan in his keynote address. He highlighted the government's broader vision of enhancing food systems resilience, noting that such infrastructure plays a vital role in achieving the country's sustainable development goals. STC CEO Mr. Ashik Hassan echoed the President's sentiments, extending thanks to all stakeholders involved in the project. 'This modern facility represents a significant milestone in modernizing our services through high-end technology that is both energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable,' he stated. Mr. Hassan also stressed the facility's strategic importance in reinforcing STC's operational effectiveness and its mission to support national food security. Outfitted with advanced refrigeration systems that meet international standards, the facility is poised to elevate Seychelles' standing in regional food storage and distribution capabilities. STC Board Chairman Mr. Imtiaz Umarji emphasized that the facility's value extends well beyond its physical structure. 'This facility is not just a building—it is critical infrastructure essential to ensuring food security by delivering fresh, quality products to every household at affordable prices,' he explained. 'For our citizens, this represents reduced prices and decreased wastage, reflecting our collective effort to achieve greater self-sufficiency amid global market volatility.' The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the facility, offering dignitaries and invited guests an opportunity to witness firsthand the sophisticated technology and logistics operations that will serve the nation for years to come. The event also featured vibrant cultural performances, including patriotic recitals and musical tributes, in celebration of this landmark national achievement. This development aligns closely with the government's broader strategic priorities: to fortify national food security, promote economic resilience, and advance sustainable development across all sectors. The cold storage facility is expected to significantly enhance Seychelles' ability to manage food reserves efficiently, stabilize prices, and minimize food waste. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
Galaxy Macau Cements Macau's Role as a Leading Global MICE Destination, Announcing Ground-breaking Three-Year FIA Partnership
Galaxy Macau and FIA Establish a Three-Year Strategic Partnership Following the Successful Debut of the Landmark Conference in Macau as Historic Home of the FIA Formula Regional World Cup MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 13 June 2025 - The 2025 Extraordinary General Assemblies meeting and the Conference of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), hosted by the Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC) supported by Galaxy Macau™, successfully concluded on June 12 at the state-of-the-art Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC). Following the remarkable debut of the FIA Conference in Macau, where 446 esteemed FIA delegates representing 198 Member Organisations from 139 countries gathered to shape the future of global motor sport and mobility, the FIA and Galaxy Macau are pleased to announce a three-year strategic partnership. Under this agreement, Galaxy Macau will serve as an official global partner of the FIA and venue host for the FIA Conference in both 2026 and 2027. This global alliance reflects Galaxy Macau's unwavering commitment to elevating Macau's international sports landscape, in alignment with the Macao SAR Government's vision to position Macau as a "City of Sports". As a leading integrated resort operator, Galaxy Macau continues to support the SAR government's diverse initiatives, including the "Tourism + MICE" and "Tourism + Sports" strategies - by introducing prominent international events that reinforce Macau's role as a global destination. The 2025 FIA Conference was officially inaugurated on June 10 with an opening session graced by a distinguished assembly of guests, including O Lam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao S.A.R. Government; Elaine Wong, Director Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR Government; Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA; Chong Coc Veng, Chairman of the AAMC, and Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: "Our time here in Macau has been inspiring and truly productive. This annual conference is an opportunity for us to bring Members together from across our global federation, and I am delighted we have been able to host them in such an exceptional venue. My thanks to Galaxy Macau and I look forward to our continued partnership." Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer of GEG, said: "Galaxy Macau is profoundly honored to support this prestigious conference – bringing together visionary minds, dedicated professionals, and innovative leaders shaping the future of mobility worldwide. With our world-class MICE facilities and award-winning hotels, we are committed to providing an unparalleled experience for delegates while strengthening Macau's position as an important hub for the business of sports." Comprised of an array of substantive programmes, the three-day conference featured a diverse lineup of discussions, addressing critical industry topics including: safety and sustainability in motor sport and mobility; regional perspectives vs. global ambition; and AI and data analytics in the future of mobility. Beyond thought leadership, delegates also explored Macau's motor sport heritage, as well as indulging in cultural experiences, local gastronomy, and performances – offering a unique blend of tradition and modern innovation. Home to the legendary Macau Grand Prix for over seven decades, Macau continues to be an epicenter for international motor sport. With the Greater China region emerging as a leader in electric vehicle adoption and the world's largest automotive market, this partnership solidifies Macau's growing influence in shaping the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and also across the world. Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the "Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World". Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world's longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate. As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies. Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world's most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests' service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game. Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai's golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group's ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau. and ABOUT FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE L'AUTOMOBILE The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. Galaxy Macau
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Zawya
2025 Beijing CBD Forum Annual Conference Kicks Off
BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 June 2025 - On June 11, the 2025 Beijing CBD Forum Annual Conference commenced, held concurrently with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Asia Mayors Forum. The conference will run until June 13. Beijing CBD is the city's "golden business card" and a vital gateway for the capital's global engagement. During the forum, over 6,000 representatives from politics, business, and academia worldwide gathered in Beijing to explore international economic and trade cooperation. The opening ceremony, alongside the 2025 Beijing CBD Multinational Corporation Summit, the Beijing CBD Global Board Meeting, and four other flagship international events, as well as numerous parallel forums, were held simultaneously. 70% of Speakers Are International Guests, Representing Over 40 Countries and Regions On the morning of June 11, the China World Hotel was filled with distinguished guests. Over 20 representatives from Asian cities, 30 delegates from international organizations and business associations, and more than 6,000 participants from the Global Alliance for Innovation in Business Districts and the China Business District Alliance attended the forum. Statistics show that 70% of the main forum speakers were international guests, with attendees hailing from over 40 countries and regions and spanning more than 10 core industries, sparking in-depth discussions across specialized fields. This diverse international participation infused the forum with global perspectives and cutting-edge ideas. Centered on the permanent theme of "Dialogue with the World for Common Development," the forum featured one opening ceremony (including the 2025 Beijing CBD Multinational Corporation Summit), four flagship international events, and multiple parallel forums. During the opening ceremony's achievements release session, Chaoyang District unveiled several high-quality development projects and outcomes. International business associations and global business district representatives jointly launched the "Building a Clean, Beautiful, and Sustainable World Together" initiative. Additionally, the "Belt and Road" Express Service Platform's "CBD Lounge" was inaugurated. The forum also recognized the second batch of standing council members of the Beijing CBD Multinational Corporation Summit, establishing a new benchmark for foreign-funded enterprises based on headquarters prioritization and industry leadership. Beijing CBD ranks as China's top and the world's seventh-largest business district. In 2024 alone, the CBD area added 10 new regional headquarters of multinational corporations, bringing the total to 122. Since 2000, the Beijing CBD Forum has evolved into a frontline platform for China's global dialogue and a robust pillar for Beijing's role as an international exchange hub. UNDP Asia Mayors Forum Held Concurrently, Four Flagship Events to Boost Economic Cooperation Beijing CBD is the most concentrated area for foreign-funded enterprises in the capital. The forum aims to foster international economic collaboration and attract investment. During the event, Beijing CBD will host four flagship international activities: the Beijing CBD Global Board Meeting Series, Government-Business Dialogue, Global Business Districts "Experience Beijing" Event, and Sino-Foreign Automakers Roundtable. On June 12, the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau and the CBD Administrative Committee will co-host a policy-focused government-business dialogue on stabilizing foreign investment. The session will interpret the latest policies, address corporate needs, and facilitate exchanges to support foreign enterprises in China. Held concurrently, the UNDP Asia Mayors Forum, themed "Collaborative Innovation: Co-Creating Low-Carbon and Sustainable Future Cities," brings together global urban leaders, multinational executives, international organization representatives, and academic experts. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the forum emphasizes international cooperation, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and financial and technological innovation to drive urban sustainability. Beijing is accelerating its development as a global green economy leader. As a high-density economic hub, the CBD plays a critical role in energy conservation, renewable energy adoption, and efficiency improvements. In recent years, Beijing CBD has implemented policies like the "Measures to Promote High-Quality Development of Beijing CBD" and the "CBD Building Quality Grading Standards" to support green industries and enhance smart, eco-friendly services. Currently, LEED Gold or higher-certified buildings in the area span 4.9 million square meters. Beijing CBD Elected Chair of Global Alliance for Innovation in Business Districts Today, Beijing CBD stands among the world's premier business districts, alongside Manhattan, La Défense, and Hong Kong's Central. Hosting nearly 16,000 foreign entities, it is Beijing's most concentrated area for multinational regional headquarters. The CBD Administrative Committee continues to refine its business-friendly environment. Initiatives like the "CBD Investment Service Center" streamline administrative processes, while the "Headquarters Growth Plan" assists companies like BMW China and Toyota Financial Services in obtaining regional headquarters status. In May 2025, the "Beijing CBD Foreign Investment Service Center" launched, positioning itself as the "first stop for foreign enterprises entering China." Through institutional innovation, Beijing CBD advances the integrated business environment of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. In June 2023, the "Beijing CBD-Tianjin Port Collaborative Service Center" was established with Tianjin Port Group and Beijing Customs, offering one-stop logistics services. Aligned with global trade standards, Beijing CBD is building a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business ecosystem. It has attracted top arbitration bodies like the Beijing Arbitration Commission and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. In 2024, Beijing CBD was elected chair of the Global Alliance for Innovation in Business Districts, enhancing Beijing's global influence. This year, multinationals like Aramco Asia and Hamamatsu Photonics have chosen the CBD for their global board meetings. Chaoyang to Issue Consumption Vouchers, CBD Pop-Up Walkway Opens Beijing CBD, home to landmarks like China World Mall, SKP, and Xiushui Street, is evolving into a trillion-yuan international commercial hub. During the forum, attendees and visitors can enjoy discounts across CBD's retail spaces. From June 13–15 (Friday–Sunday), a CBD Pop-Up Walkway will open at China World Summit Wing from 11 AM to 9 PM, featuring specialty products like Canadian ice wine, Thai cuisine, and Belgian skincare, alongside camping zones and stamp-collecting activities. Chaoyang District will distribute ¥3.5 million in consumption vouchers for retail, supermarkets, F&B, and cultural-sports sectors. The 2025 Beijing CBD Forum will host 50+ annual events, including a Hot Dog Festival, Coffee Festival, Beijing Spicy Festival, and Xiushui Street Fashion Show. Details are available on the official WeChat account "Beijing CBD Window." Hashtag: #BeijingCBDWindow The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Beijing CBD Window
