A top-level delegation from Jersey, the largest of the British Channel Islands, is to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late October, for the first overseas visit undertaken by the Jersey Government. A major international finance center, the island has over $200 billion of funds under management, a substantial amount of which comes from the Arabian Gulf states, including the UAE.
“I am delighted to be leading Jersey's first overseas delegation to the United Arab Emirates,” said Senator Pierre Horsfall, who, as President of the Policy and Resources Committee of Jersey's Parliament, is effectively the island's First Minister.
“The UAE already has close links with Jersey through our finance industry, and I am looking forward to the opportunity of discussing a wide range of economic and financial issues with the UAE officials and organizations that we will be meeting during our visit,” he added.
A self-governing dependency of the British Crown, Jersey is represented by the Government of the United Kingdom in matters relating to foreign affairs and defense, but is autonomous in other matters, with its own Parliament and fiscal and legal systems.
“One of the main purposes of our visit,” Horsfall said, “is to explain to the UAE's financial community the wide range of services available in Jersey, to ensure that the relationship that already exists continues to grow.” The seven-day visit, starting October 25, will include visits to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
