Statement by Mr. Raymond Chang-Tave - 15th Technical Committee of the Joint Management
October 24, 2016
STATEMENT BY MR RAYMOND CHANGTAVE
SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINISTER OF FINANCE
TRADE AND THE BLUE ECONOMY AND CO-CHAIR
OF SEYCHELLES-MAURITIUS 15TH TECHNICAL COMMITTEE OF THE JOINT COMMISSION OF THE EXTENDED CONTINENTAL SHELF
24TH – 25TH OCTOBER 2016
Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul - Head of Mauritius Delegation and Co-Chair
Members of the Technical Committee
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am priviledged once again to have the opportunity to warmly welcome you and your delegation to Seychelles to contribute to this 15th Technical Committee of the Joint Commission of the Extended Continental Shelf.
I have noted that some work was slated to be carried out in the intersessionary period to prepare, amongst others the legal documents in order to pave the way and expedite the proceedings of the meetings this week. I believe that of paramount importance on our Agenda will be the discussions on the legal documents for the establishment of the Designated Authority.
Mr Co-Chair you will agree with me that the processes for the establishment of the Designated Authority cannot be compromised at this point in time as this is the most important mechanism provided for in the Treaty for the effective and efficient joint management of resources in the Joint Management Area (JMA). The offices of the Designated Authority has to be up and running in order to create the essential point of contact for investors, in addition, to create the investors confidence for exploration and exploitation of resources that lie in the seabed and subsoil of the Extended Continental shelf. Incidentally, I note that two short listed companies have been invited to make a presentation to the Joint Commission on Wednesday morning. I do believe that these are crucial and important first steps towards exploration and subsequent exploitation of the resources that lie in the Joint Management Area and is a welcome positive development.
I also note from the Agenda that we have, interalia, the GEF/UNDP stand alone project which may entail a number of issues to deliberate on.
Mr Co-Chair I am gratified for the opportunity to once again together with you to officiate the opening of the 15th Technical Committee of the Continental Shelf between the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Mauritius. I wish you and your delegation a pleasant stay in Seychelles and productive discussions in the spirit of cooperation and friendship that have prevailed between our two countries since the beginning of our discussions on the maritime boundary delimitation issues way down in April 2001 when we had our first meeting in Mauritius.
May I suggest that you and your delegation also make time in between your busy schedule to see more and more of the country and to gauge the warmth of its people.
I thank you.