Following the success of the 3rd ESAAMLG Public-Private Sector Dialogue (PPSD) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe in September 2016, the incoming ESAAMLG President, Seychelles Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, Hon. Ambassador Maurice J. L. Lousteau Lallane would like to invite you to the 4th PPSD to be held in Seychelles, from 7- 8 September 2018.  javascript:nicTemp();

The PPSD is designed to help facilitate the development and implementation of robust anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes in the ESAAMLG Region. It offers a unique opportunity for government officials, policy makers and private sector representatives to exchange ideas, best practices and engage each other on how best to implement AML/CFT standards in the region, taking into account the underlying political, social and economic characteristics and challenges. It enables stakeholders to develop a deeper understanding about the benefits of maintaining secure and transparent financial systems and combating illicit financial activities, gain a deeper technical grasp of implementation of robust AML/CFT regimes, and establish new relationships throughout the region and internationally.  

Agenda and Topics 

The PPSD agenda will cover a range of topics critical to developing robust AML/CFT regimes in the region including: 

i) Discussions on the outcome of the De-Risking survey undertaken by ESAAMLG and deliberating on the best way forward in addressing the challenge to the region on the withdrawal of Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBRs);  

ii) Tackling Money Laundering Associated with the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) in the ESAAMLG Region; and  

iii) Challenges of Implementing AML/CFT requirements relating to New Technological Innovations in Payments and Regulation (New Technologies).  

Presentations will be delivered by public and private sector experts. A detailed agenda for the PPSD will be circulated to all registered participants towards the end of July 2018.  

Date and Venue 

The government of Seychelles will host the PPSD at Savoy Resort and Spa – Beau- Vallon, Mahé from September 7- 8, 2018. The Dialogue will be launched on the afternoon of Friday 7 September by the Seychelles Finance Minister with attendance by Finance Ministers from the ESAAMLG region. This will be followed by one day of policy and technical discussions on 8 September, with the Dialogue closing by 7pm.  

Hotels and Visas 

All registrants will receive an electronic information note with the details of the venue and information on those hotels that have rooms reserved for participants in the Dialogue. Seychelles is a visa-free country, that is, there are no visa requirements for any person wishing to travel to this country. However, visitors to Seychelles should have in their possession a valid passport for the period of the intended stay.  A visitor’s permit is issued on arrival in Seychelles, as long as the person meets the following criteria: a) holds a valid return or onward air ticket for the duration of the visit; b) has proof of confirmed accommodation; and c) has sufficient funds for the duration of the stay (minimum of US$150 or equivalent per day). d) Proof of yellow fever vaccination, only for those arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.  

September is a high tourist season in Seychelles and therefore hotel prices are likely to go up. In order to assist participants, the Seychelles authorities have blocked available rooms in the different hotels near the venue of the PPSD at negotiated rates which is secured until 15 July 2018, after which it will be allocated on a “first come first serve” at a competitive rate. All Participants are therefore encouraged to book the hotels early in order to enjoy the concessionary rates.  

Attendees 

From the public sector we encourage participation from Ministries of Finance, Justice, Trade, and Foreign Affairs; Telecommunication Regulatory Agencies, Central Banks, Financial Intelligence Units, Insurance/Pensions/Capital market Regulatory Supervisors, and Law Enforcement Agencies. From the private sector, we encourage attendance from the financial institutions, money remitters, mobile money transfer companies, banking associations and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs). As with the event in 2016, we expect attendees to represent a broad geographical range including the United States, UK, Europe, other African countries, and global partners, including FATF, IMF and the World Bank.  

Registration  

The Delegates must complete the registration form online, on the following link:- http://eservice.egov.sc/esaamlg 

Participants must clearly indicate: ? The meeting they will be attending i.e. the Public/Private Sector Dialogue (PPSD); ? The name of the Airline, flight number, date and time of arrival and departure; and ? The hotel at which the delegate is booked. 

Delegates are requested to complete the online registration procedure by August 2018, to assist the Seychelles Authorities with logistical planning. 

For any further inquiries, please contact any one of the following: 

Mr. John Muvavarirwa, ESAAMLG Secretariat – jmuvavarirwa@esaamlg.or.tz 

+255 22 266 7895 or +255 68 530 5594 (Mobile) 

Ms. Annarose Clarisse, Central Bank of Seychelles - annarose.clarisse@cbs.sc 

+248 4282094 

Ms. Meresa Andre, Central Bank of Seychelles - meresa.andre@cbs.sc +248 4282123 

 Posted: 13^rd Jun 18