Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council Business Engagement Session

Leaders from Overseas Territories (OT) and the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories discuss UK-OT business and trade with industry leaders

London, United Kingdom – On Thursday, 27th November, British Expertise International (BEI) and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) brought together a delegation of leaders from the Overseas Territories (OT) with UK industry stakeholders from BEI’s membership base, alongside the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, to discuss economic development and partnership opportunities.

The delegation of leaders from the OT’s included The Hon Dr Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands, The Hon E David Burt JP MP,  Premier of Bermuda, and The Hon. Nigel Feetham KC, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, Gibraltar, who spoke on a panel to discuss what economic diversification means for the Overseas Territories, highlighting growth sectors such as green energy, fintech, tourism, and the blue economy. Other leaders from the Overseas Territories Governors and representatives from the UK Overseas Territories Association were also present to engage with UK industry. The session included introductory remarks from the UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, who also attended a lunch reception with the OT leaders and industry leaders following the event.

British Expertise International (BEI) is a leading business development network for UK-based companies exporting expertise in infrastructure, climate change, education, skills and international development services, particularly to fast-growing, emerging and developing international markets. Building on BEI’s recent engagement with FCDO in October which explored trade and investment opportunities for UK organisations in the British OT’s, this event highlighted key challenges, opportunities for UK businesses, the role of UK Export Finance and public-private partnerships in driving innovation and resilience in the territories.

As Dr David Landsman OBE, Executive Chair at BEI states, “at British Expertise International, we work every day with consultants and experts who have a huge amount to contribute in key areas from climate mitigation and adaptation and the blue economy to fintech and tourism. That’s why yesterday’s session was an exceptional opportunity for them to meet with leaders of some of the British Overseas Territories to explore the potential for collaboration on economic development in the broadest sense. We’re grateful to the leaders and Minister Doughty for finding time for this meeting during their visit to London, and to the FCDO for bringing us together. We can already see that this meeting will lead to productive new opportunities to work together.”

The event provided a platform for industry to engage with OT decision-makers to build relationships, exchange ideas, and identify tailored partnership and investment opportunities aligned with diversification goals. Robbie Bulloch, Director for the Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate said “driving economic growth is a top priority for the UK Government. According to ONS statistics, the trading relationship between the UK and its OTs would rank them as a top 25 trading partner for the UK, a clear testament to its significance. Our commitment is to deepen this relationship and take practical steps to unlock further growth.

Last month, we partnered with British Expertise International and organised a webinar showcasing commercial opportunities in the OTs, which attracted more than 80 UK and OT businesses, demonstrating the strong appetite for collaboration. UK officials have recently returned from a visit to Bermuda, where they held productive meetings with Ministers and private-sector partners to explore practical opportunities for UK Export Finance (UKEF) to work in partnership on various projects. These discussions focused on opportunities in renewable energy, affordable housing, and civil infrastructure.

I am also delighted with our partnership with British Expertise International, they play a vital role helping us connect UK businesses to opportunities that drive mutual prosperity for both the UK and the OTs.”

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About British Expertise International (BEI)

British Expertise International (BEI) is a membership network dedicated to supporting UK-based organisations in expanding their international activities across key service sectors including infrastructure and energy, climate and nature, education, skills and training, and international development. For over 60 years, BEI has connected members with global opportunities by leveraging strong relationships with His Majesty’s Government (HMG), foreign governments, bilateral and multilateral donors, commercial and financial stakeholders, and the broader private sector.

Further Information‍

Media contact: Sofia Pennacchietti

British Expertise International

Email: sp@britishexpertise.org