(Seychelles News Agency) - The possibility for Seychelles and neighbouring Mauritius to expand cooperation in various fields has been discussed, the Mauritian Minister for Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection Cader Sayed Hossen told a press interview today.

A new economic framework, avenues for better maritime links to facilitate trade, air links, judiciary, education, health, finance, agriculture and livestock are amongst areas highlighted.

“As Small Island Developing States (SIDS) we have limited natural resources, we are far from countries that help provide us with resources and other markets…today both islands have been able to deal with those constraints, thanks to the determination of our two political leaders. I believe that we have a good future and by reinforcing our cooperation we will have a brighter one,” said Hossen.

The Mauritian Minister who is leading a 100-strong Mauritian business delegation participating in the first Seychelles-Mauritius international trade fair and the Seychelles-Mauritius business forum was speaking after he had met Seychelles President James Michel at State House.

In a press statement, Michel has expressed satisfaction that the forum is taking place adding that he hopes that this will strengthen the commercial and economic relations between the two countries.

“I am very happy that the forum is taking place. It is the first time that we receive such strong Mauritian business delegations in Seychelles, I believe that it will be a way forward to develop further the cooperation between our two countries and I am sure that it will improve our trade and commerce," said Michel.

The importance of having signed the landmark treaties for the Joint Exercise of Sovereign Rights and the Joint Management of the Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau Region was also discussed.

In March 2009, Seychelles and Mauritius made a proposition to the United Nations for the shared management of the Mascareignes plateau region, an extended continental shelf of around 396,000 sq km.

The UN adopted the submission in March 2011, and the two countries signed treaties for the management of the area in March 2012.