Government must continue off-Island engagement says CM

Mon, 26 Sep 2022

The Chief Minister has said that the Manx Government must continue its programme of off-Island engagement to help drive economic growth and prosperity.

Alfred Cannan's remarks come ahead of a series of visits scheduled over the next few months which aim to strengthen relationships and raise the Island’s profile.

The Chief Minister said: “Growing our economy is vital to funding high quality public services and maintaining our cherished quality of life.  That is why securing a strong and diverse economy is one of the key pillars of our Island Plan.

“To deliver on this ambition we must engage, build relationships and market ourselves in the UK, Europe and further afield, ensuring we seize opportunities and play to our strengths.  The rewards include attracting new workers, increased exports and growing inward investment.  This won’t happen on its own, nor will it happen overnight. It will take a sustained long-term effort that we must commit to if we are to succeed.”

The Chief Minister will attend the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this week and the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham in October.

Later in October the Chief Minister will visit Brussels and in November he will take part in the 38th summit of the British-Irish Council.

Further afield, there will be a visit to Bahrain in October at the invitation of the Crown Prince to explore opportunities for collaboration including in financial services.  In November there will be a visit to South Africa at the request of local businesses following a successful trip there in March of this year.

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