Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK and Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK have continued to deliver the Isle of Man Government’s engagement programme with a series of recent meetings in London.
Supported by Chief Secretary Will Greenhow and Director of External Relations Della Fletcher MBE, they pursued a varied programme, meeting with Ambassadors from Russia and South Korea; the Chairman and members of the British-Manx All Party Parliamentary Group; political leaders from the Northwest, where the Isle of Man has considerable commercial links, and a Member of the Commons influential Treasury Select Committee. They also attended a dinner with the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe, which attracted business leaders from across the UK as well as Europe.
Chief Minister said:
'In our meetings with Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko and Ambassador Choo Kyo-ho of South Korea, we were able to follow-up discussions which began during their previous visits to the Isle of Man. In both cases we explored possible opportunities where we might work together for the economic benefit of our countries. The many members of the All-Party Group are helpful and interested friends of the Isle of Man, and it is always useful to hear their views on issues that may affect us. We also discussed with the Group’s Chairman Andrew Rosindell MP how we might drive forward the Group and recruit new members. As I have said before, it is essential that we continue to strengthen our relationships with politicians and businesses in the Northwest of England, where we have longstanding historical, cultural and business links. Our successful aerospace cluster works very closely with related enterprises in the area, and in this week’s meetings with Andy Burnham MP and Lord Bach, former Minister with responsibility for the Crown Dependencies, we explored how we might strengthen those links and develop greater opportunities for economic development.'
The Chief Minister concluded that both he and Minister Teare found the visit had been hugely informative and helpful, saying:
'I look forward to continuing with our programme of focussed engagement with political and business leaders, raising awareness of the Island and seeking out opportunities for the benefit of the Island.'
