03 March 2017
The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, has met with the CEOs of three major financial services providers in Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of a series of engagements he is undertaking during the first official visit by a Chief Minister of Jersey to Africa. All three business have well-established offices in the Island.
Senator Gorst commented “The value of the contribution that South African financial services businesses make to our Island economy cannot be underestimated. Their role in fulfilling the jobs and growth agenda, through their substantial presence in the Island, is a signal of the confidence in Jersey’s position as a leading international finance centre, its robust regulation and commitment to transparency. I am very pleased to be building on the excellent work undertaken by Senator Ozouf to forge strong relationships with these businesses both on-Island and here in South Africa.
"There are also over 600 South African nationals living and working in Jersey, many of them in financial services; they make an invaluable contribution to Island life and to enriching our cultural diversity.”
Senator Gorst discussed future growth plans held by the businesses and sought to understand the challenges that may be faced in further investment in the Island.
Jersey has a strong existing relationship with the Republic of South Africa, with High Commissioner Obed Mlaba having visited the Island as recently as September 2016.
Senator Gorst has no travelled to Kenya, where he is attending engagements in Nairobi. These include meetings with the Attorney General of Kenya to discuss a potential asset sharing agreement arising from the Gichuru/Windward Trading confiscation proceedings.
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