Opening up the on-line options.

A new proposal to open up Seychelles market with overseas customers is being reviewed by local business community.

An Indian Internet payment company Ankiti has contacted the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB) with a plan to set up an office here.

“Of the handful of Seychellois companies I’ve came across while searching the Internet, none had offered full on-line payment systems,” says Ankiti president Abhay Aggarwal.

During a presentation to the local business community, Mr Aggarwal explains that Ankiti would offer advice on website development incorporating on-line payment mechanisms and advertising.

This new business strategy will allow local companies, such as hotels and destination management companies, to take bookings and receive payment via the Internet.

“An online presence for business is almost a requirement and a sign of professionalism today. Clients and customers often expect to see web and email addresses on business cards and other promotional materials, so that they can read more about the products or services there,” says Ronny Adonis from Reliant Unified Solution (RUS) a computer-consulting firm located in Victoria.

According to the SIB technical director David Bianchi the overall aim is to boost the number of business transactions for local companies and that a review of the relevant legislation may be necessary to allow Ankiti, or any firm offering a similar service, to operate in Seychelles.

It should be noted that the push to open up on-line business to Seychellois firms dates back to the start of a joint e-commerce project, which involved
the Commonwealth, the Ministry of Industry and International Business and the
International Telecommunications Union, as far back as in February 2002.