13 July 2023
On 11-12 July 2023, a delegation from San Marino, headed by Consul Prof Maurizio Bragagni
Esq OBE, paid a working visit to Jersey acting on the invitation issued by the Jersey
Government.
This visit marks a milestone in the materialisation of the common wish of both countries to
deepen bilateral relations, better explore economic opportunities, and assist each other in the
multilateral arena by branding the small countries as pro-business ones.
During the visit, Consul Bragagni had a highly activity-packed agenda and met with several of
Jersey’s government representatives, such as Deputy Elaine Millar, Minister for Social Security,
Assistant Chief Minister, Financial Services, and Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources;
Deputy Ian Gorst, Minister for Treasury and Resources and Assistant Minister for External
Relations; and Deputy Alex Curtis, Assistant Chief Minister and Assistant Minister for Economic
Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture.
During these meetings, there was expressed a common understanding that both Jersey and
San Marino share many common values and there are untapped opportunities for cooperation
in the economic, social, and cultural fields. Further, the counterparts explored the idea of
strengthening the cooperation between small countries by branding them as business-oriented countries.
Consul Bragagni also met Jersey business representatives, including Robin MacRae, Airport
Director; Chris Ambler, Chief Executive Officer of Jersey Electricity Company; Amy Bryant,
Deputy Chief Executive of Jersey Finance Limited; Murray Norton, CEO Jersey Chamber of
Commerce; Adam Budworth, President Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Paul Murphy, Chief
Executive Office Jersey Business; Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Jersey; and
Doug Melville, Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman.
The visit benefited from a frank exchange of views and discussions on practical matters during
the two separate round tables: Financial Services, Banking and Taxation; and Education and
cultural exchange.
The visit was very successful and paved the way for strengthening bilateral relations and
working toward concluding a Memorandum of Understanding on Friendship and Economic
cooperation over the coming months.
Deputy Ian Gorst, Minister for Treasury and Resources and Assistance Minister for External
Relations said: “We were delighted to welcome Consul Bragagni to Jersey. During his visit he
conducted several productive meetings to discuss potential areas of future cooperation
between our jurisdictions including education, business, and culture. He met with several Arms
Lengths Organisations to understand more about their role and business as well as visiting La
Hougue Bie. We look forward to warm relations between San Marino and Jersey moving
forward.”
Consul Bragagni said: “I was astonished by the hospitality I received by the Jersey government
and witnessed so many commonalities between the two countries that share the value of
freedom. Having met with various representatives of government institutions, business and
industry, I found an overwhelming readiness to cooperate in the fields of mutual interest. This
visit was a step closer to concluding soon a memorandum of understanding and friendship.”