Island governments to fast-track economic cooperation

13 November 2009

At a meeting in Jersey on Tuesday 10 November, ministers from both Guernsey’s Commerce and Employment Department and Jersey’s Economic Development Department agreed to fast track inter-island cooperation in key policy areas.

Guernsey Minister for Commerce & Employment (C&E), Carla McNulty Bauer, was accompanied by the C&E Board, plus senior Guernsey government officials. The Jersey contingent, led by Minister for Economic Development Senator Alan Maclean, included Economic Development Department Chief Executive Officer Mike King and other senior EDD officials.

Discussions recognised that, in the global economic downturn, the 2 jurisdictions need to work together, to counter the threats to the economic prosperity of the Channel Islands. Ministers agreed a political framework that will allow officers to develop joint policies in the areas of competition and regulatory services, tourism, aircraft registry and the development of an ombudsman service to safeguard the interests of all islanders. It was also agreed to arrange quarterly forums to monitor progress on these policy areas. Political approval to accelerate the pace and scope of policy development will signal the start of consultation with businesses and individuals.

Senator Maclean said: "Economic Development and Commerce and Employment are now looking to transform these aspirations for Channel Island cooperation into actions. There will clearly be challenges ahead, but I am confident we have the necessary political commitment to co-operate for our mutual benefit."

A follow-up meeting will take place in Guernsey in March 2010, where ministers will evaluate progress.