Inaugural UK/OT International Trade Summit 2019

Following the pre JMC, the first ever OT International Trade Summit was held on 27 and 28 June, the objectives of which were to develop a broader partnership on trade between the UK Government and the UKOTs, and to find mechanisms to grow trade between the OTs and the rest of the world.

The Minister of State for the Overseas Territories, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, co-hosted the Summit with Premier Alden McLaughlin MBE JP MLA of the Cayman Islands. A video message from the Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr. Liam Fox MP commenced the proceedings, which  included presentations from the Department for International Trade, UK Export Finance, the China/Britain Business Council,  OCO Global (dealing with trade into the US and Canada),  and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council – the latter being represented by their Deputy Chairman, the Rt Hon Sir Hugo Swire MP, former FCO Minister with responsibility for the Falkland Islands. 

Sessions covered: luxury and eco tourism; the blue economy; healthcare provision; and building a fintech economy. 

The formal meetings ended with a session, chaired by Lord Ahmad, updating the OT leaders on Brexit and gave the opportunity for the delegates to discuss the various issued that affect, and may affect, their Territory’s. 

The meetings coincided with the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the Cayman Islands first Constitution and Leaders and delegations were invited to stay on over the weekend to attend the various celebratory events, along with the guest of honour, the Hon Andrew Holness ON, MP the Prime Minister of Jamaica.  The events included a cultural evening, a community breakfast, a football match between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica – which the Cayman Islands won 4-3! A Thanksgiving Church Service, followed by a community lunch, and finishing up, on Monday 1st July with a celebration of Cayman’s history.