This Fifth Session of the CBC was hosted by the Seychelles government at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department where the official opening ceremony was conducted by Minister for Land Use and Habitat Mr Joseph Belmont on 6 December.

After welcoming the Mauritius delegation led by the Minister for Economic Development, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs, His Excellency Mr Sushil KC Khushiram, Mr Belmont praised the decision - instigated by Mauritius - to begin talks early next year over the ratification of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Minister Belmont said that the official signing of the treaties would signify the commitment of both countries to increase trade and investment between them.

In response Mauritian Minister Khushiram spoke of his government's desire to continue the collaboration between both islands and he said the meeting should be considered as an indication of the bilateral endeavours of both Mauritius and the Seychelles in promoting their development.

Past meetings of the CBC have been extremely successful and it is likely Mr Belmont has high hopes for the Fifth Session. Of the last CBC Mr Belmont stated: 'A number of projects in various fields from education, energy, fisheries, agriculture, environment, banking, industry, training, tourism, culture, small business development, police, youth, legal affairs, judiciary have been implemented.'

Finally, Mr Belmont went on to explain that the Seychelles noted Mauritius' recent election as a Non-Permanent Member to the United Nations Security Council and added that 'Mauritius was fully capable of representing the region and would no doubt be a strong voice for small island states, such as ours.'