International challenges and opportunities were on the agenda when Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK met his counterparts from Jersey and Guernsey last week (Thursday October 25, 2012).

The trilateral summit between the Crown Dependencies, held in London, was scheduled following Mr Bell’s visit to the Channel Islands to meet their new Chief Ministers in May this year.

He explained: ‘In the current international climate it is more important than ever that the Crown Dependencies maintain an open dialogue on matters of mutual interest. The islands may be commercial competitors but we do face common challenges both at home and abroad.

‘This was a very useful opportunity to share views and information on a range of topics including the economy, growing global pressure on tax issues, and our support for developing countries. On the domestic front all three islands are facing up to public sector reform.’

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK and senior officers. The Jersey delegation was led by Senator Ian Gorst, Chief Minister, and Guernsey representatives were headed by their Chief Minister Deputy Peter Harwood.