Ministers join forces on the economy

The Jersey and Guernsey ministers with responsibility for the economy and employment met recently to discuss areas of common interest and potential joint projects for 2013.

 

The meeting between Guernsey’s Commerce and Employment Board and Jersey’s Economic Development Minister was described by the Commerce and Employment Minister as very positive and productive.

 

Deputy Kevin Stewart said “While Senator Maclean and I discuss matters of pan-Island interest as they arise, there is no substitute for the two political authorities and their senior management teams getting around a table. We were delighted to welcome the Minister and his team to Guernsey.”

 

 

The group discussed issues that included the security and cost of energy supplies, the digital economy, the Islands’ Skills Strategies and further opportunities for pan-Island working. The meeting also discussed the measures being taken by both islands to combat unemployment.

 

Deputy Stewart added “There is a perception that we are competitors when it comes to economic growth. This may be true for some aspects of our economies; however there are business opportunities where there are clear benefits from working together.

 

“For instance, a Channel Islands Aircraft Registry could generate revenue for both islands. And there are examples of successful collaborations that, while they don’t directly generate income, do provide infrastructure that supports our economies – such as the regulation of civil aviation and our joint work on ferry services.”

 

 

It was also agreed to continue developing new areas of joint working throughout 2013.

 

Jersey’s Economic Development Minister, Senator Alan Maclean said “This latest meeting has strengthened our joint working and we are establishing an excellent and productive working relationship.

 

“I very much look forward to welcoming the Guernsey board to Jersey soon, so we can maintain regular contact and continue to build mutually beneficial links between our two governments, which will clearly be in the long term interests of both islands.”