Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, Howard Quayle, hosted Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Chairman Lord Marland on January 18, 2018 during his visit to discuss economic opportunities for the island as part of the Commonwealth
Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, Howard Quayle, hosted Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Chairman Lord Marland on January 18, 2018 during his visit to discuss economic opportunities for the island as part of the Commonwealth.
Lord Marland delivered a keynote speech at a Commonwealth Business Breakfast, held in Douglas, and held discussions with government officials and business leaders.
He also participated in a series of business meetings and visits to local companies to gain an understanding of the island’s diverse economy.
It follows a recent trip by Chief Minister Quayle to London for the launch of the 2018 Commonwealth Business Forum, taking place in April as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Isle of Man became a strategic partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in 2017 and Quayle expressed his view that the partnership would provide further opportunities to develop better economic links with countries across the Commonwealth.
In 2015, intra-Commonwealth trade was estimated at US$525 billion and is expected to increase to $1 trillion by 2020.
Chief Minister Quayle said: “We must explore opportunities to build international trade partnerships to attract new investment and create jobs for our people.
“Our involvement with the CWEIC will help the Isle of Man to raise its profile across Commonwealth countries.”
Lord Marland said: “I have been encouraged by the response of government and business during my visit to the island and their outward-looking, entrepreneurial spirit.
“People here are switched on to the opportunities within the Commonwealth for trade and new business and I look forward to working with the Isle of Man in the future.”