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Chief Sectretary's Office
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E-Commerce Division | |||
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Date: 6 July 2001 PRESS RELEASEMEETING BETWEEN ISLE OF MAN AND BRITISH E-ENVOYSThe Minister for Trade and Industry, David North, MHK, and the Island’s E-Commerce Director, Tim Craine, recently met with Andrew Pinder, the UK E-Envoy, in London. The meeting had been arranged by Mr George Cox, the Director General of the Institute of Directors, and took place at the IOD headquarters in Pall Mall, London. The suggestion of a meeting between the two e-envoys was made some time ago, but has taken until now to arrange due to the busy schedules of all those involved. The purpose of the meeting was to compare an exchange views and ideas on the challenges and opportunities presented as a result of the growth in e-commerce and how both jurisdictions were approaching the issue of e-Government. Andrew Pinder appeared to be impressed by the corporate approach being adopted by the Isle of Man Government to e-enable its services via the so-called JUPITER (Joined UP Information Technology for the Electronic Resident) Project. At the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed to establish a series of links between the two jurisdictions for the purpose of exchanging information and ideas. The Minister for Trade and Industry, David North, also extended an invitation to Andrew Pinder to visit the Island to learn more about the e-commerce initiatives and e-government proposals being developed. Following the meeting, the Island’s E-Commerce Director, Tim Craine commented: "the UK has a head start on the Isle of Man in terms of e-enabling its Government services. However, in view of the fact that the Island is a much smaller jurisdiction, we have the opportunity to avoid the mistakes made in the UK, to learn from their successes and, in effect to leapfrog the UK in terms of delivering the Isle of Man Government’s own e-government solution". David North, Minister for Trade and Industry, commented: "I found what Andrew Pinder had to say extremely interesting. He is obviously very well versed in the developments associated with e-commerce. I feel sure that he will bring a very practical approach to the UK Governments initiatives in this area". The Minister went on to comment: As is the case in the Isle of Man, the UK Government has recognised how vitally important it is to extend, as quickly as possible, the uptake of broadband connectivity. The Isle of Man has been particularly innovative in this area by funding, through the DTI, free broadband connections for both businesses and individuals.
For further information, please contact: Tim Craine, David North MHK |
