Ministers off to Malta

Friday 11 April 2014

Two politicians are heading to Malta for three days next week to meet their opposite numbers to talk about finance, foreign relations and IT.

Foreign Minister Philip Bailhache and Assistant Education Minister Rod Bryans will be in the Mediterranean island from Monday to Wednesday.

Malta’s economy is supported by a large fund administration sector, as well as film production, gambling and medical tourism industries. The Island is around three times the size of Jersey but has more than four times as many inhabitants.

Senator Bailhache said that small independent islands could learn from each other, and that he was looking forward to meetings with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry for Finance and the Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto.

He said: “As island economies, Jersey and Malta have much in common. It will therefore be valuable to have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues during our visit, such as financial services, information technology and foreign policy. It is through discussions like these that we are able to learn from one another.”

Deputy Bryans added: “The digital strategy for schools has opened up new connections and alliances. Malta is some way down the road with their IT in education and this visit offers a great opportunity to learn from their experiences.”