Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK was a guest this week at a meeting of Britain’s Overseas Territories hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.
 
Mr Bell was a panel member for a discussion on economic opportunities at the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council held on Tuesday (November 26, 2013). This was the second such Council, bringing together leaders from the OTs with FCO and other UK Ministers.
 
The Chief Minister, who was the only politician from the Crown Dependencies to attend the event, was the guest of Mark Simmonds MP, FCO Minister responsible for the Overseas Territories.
 
Mr Bell commented: ‘I was pleased to accept the invitation to take part in this meeting of the Overseas Territories. It was another welcome opportunity to reinforce the Island’s international friendships and underline our reputation as a small nation that is both economically enterprising and globally responsible.
 
‘I was able to share the story of the Island’s journey from relative poverty 30 years ago to the position today where it is recognised as a leader in the fields of economic innovation and international engagement. But it was also an opportunity to learn from the Overseas Territories, who share many common challenges with the Crown Dependencies, and to hear their views on issues such as tax transparency.’