“A stepping stone to Africa” is how Sinon sees his country’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean, particularly with respect to financial services.

Companies could be listed on the planned stock exchange to help with what he regards as “a major deficiency on this continent.”

Once perfected, he believes that this approach could be exported. “This is the best way we can contribute and play a role in the regional integration process.”

He’s also keen for individual Seychellois to be able to do business as easily as foreign investors, so “we are doing the utmost to make the private sector the dynamo that really drives growth,” whilst the government facilitates and regulates.

The challenge is to maintain Seychelles fisheries in pole position, despite the knock-on effects of piracy. With one of the deepest ports in the Indian Ocean and the largest tuna canning plant in the region, a development agreement with the European Union has been signed complete with project deadlines and allocated funds.

Often credited with spearheading the reforms which have dramatically improved Seychelles’ fortunes since 2008, Laporte’s previous experience as an International Monetary Fund (IMF) economist gave him a good understanding of what was needed.