27 May 2011
Assistant Chief Minister, UK and International Relations, Freddie Cohen, and Economic Development Minister, Alan Maclean attended a business breakfast in London yesterday (26 May). Former PM and Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair and Portland Trust Chairman Sir Ronald Cohen addressed attendees on the importance of increasing trade with Israel and Palestine.
En route back to Jersey from a States led delegation to Israel, the Ministers scheduled a morning stop in London to represent Jersey at the function, where they were introduced to a number of senior commercial and political figures, including Tony Blair. Held at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the event hosted more than 200 leading business people from the UK, Israel, Palestine and beyond, including chief executives of FTSE 100 companies, pioneering entrepreneurs and champions of private enterprise.
Senator Cohen commented: “Politics in the region are challenging but finding ways to increase trade, thereby increasing prosperity among both Israelis and Palestinians, can only assist the peace process. This week’s visit allowed us to build relationships with business and political figures in Israel, and I hope that this will add to the positive effect of political and commercial engagement in the region.”
Senator Maclean added: “This morning’s event provided the opportunity for us to put Jersey’s developing trade ties with Israel into a wider political context. It was interesting to hear the speakers’ views on the beneficial effects of increasing trade with Israel and Palestine, and to be able to discuss these matters with some of the UK’s key business representatives in the region.”
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