Developing the Island’s external relationships and reputation is vital for continued economic success, Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said today (Friday July 19, 2013).
 
Mr Bell was speaking at the end of a week which has seen the Isle of Man hosting visits from the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond and from international delegates taking part in the Small Countries Financial Management Programme.
 
This latest round of external relations activity follows on from the Chief Minister’s attendance last month at the British-Irish Council summit in Northern Ireland, where he had talks with UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, and his meetings with Prime Minister David Cameron and others ahead of the G8 summit.
 
‘The Isle of Man Government is now making contacts at a level and to an extent that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago,’ said Mr Bell, ‘The Island is finally gaining recognition as a place that combines a diverse and dynamic economy with a progressive approach to international issues.
 
‘We take our international responsibilities and relationships seriously – because that is the right thing to do but also to support the future of our economy. As an international business centre the Isle of Man operates in markets around the world. To flourish in the future we have to be appreciated and accepted internationally as a reputable base for quality business. That is why we have to continue working to build friendships and understanding with our neighbours and other key players around the world.’
 
During his visit to the Island this week Mr Salmond delivered the Chief Minister’s International Lecture at the Villa Marina, laid a wreath at the Solway Harvester memorial on Douglas Head, attended the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh at St Johns, and toured the Swagelock factory at Tromode.
 
The First Minister and Chief Minister also announced that the governments of Scotland and the Isle of Man would work together to seek the restoration of direct air services between the two countries in time for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next summer.
 
The Small Countries Financial Management Programme, meanwhile, involved 24 officials from finance ministries, central banks and regulatory bodies from small developing countries around the world, including nations from Africa and the Caribbean, the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
 
This is the fifth year the Isle of Man has hosted the SCFMP, an initiative which contributes to the sustainable development of small state economies through capacity building in government financial administration.
 
The Isle of Man provided the initial funding and helped to develop the programme in conjunction with the World Bank, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Small States Network for Economic Development, and leading faculty from the University of Oxford.
 
The Island has also secured the longer term future of the SCFMP by providing ?300,000 a year for the next three years through the International Development Committee of the Council of Ministers. This financial support means that participation, as well as travel and accommodation, is free to delegates.