Out to Africa

Wednesday 01 March 2017

Jersey's Chief Minister jets off to Africa this morning to help build trade links with what are described as "key emerging markets."

Senator Ian Gorst is focussing on Kenya, South Africa and Rwanda on this trip which will last for just under a week.

It's the first official visit to Africa by a Chief Minister of Jersey.

A statement released by the Government of Jersey says the purpose of the visit is as follows:

"The visit will deliver important commercial, legal and political objectives – reflecting Jersey’s growing cooperation with partners in Africa. As well as engaging in Ministerial meetings on areas of mutual interest, the Chief Minister’s visit will include: meetings with senior representatives of major South African financial institutions with a significant presence in Jersey; discussions with the Government of Kenya on repatriating confiscated criminal assets for the purpose of benefitting the people of Kenya, and ongoing engagement on the delivery of a wide-ranging MOU with Rwanda; this will include observing ongoing Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) projects in the country."

Senator Gorst commented: “Jersey has developed valuable relationships with many African nations, a number of whom have established professional services businesses and banks in the Island, making a meaningful contribution to the jobs and growth agenda. Jersey is also a significant source of high-quality capital that is essential to meeting Africa’s investment needs and long-term development."