INTERNATIONAL FOCUS MAY 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 25/04/2016 10:19 Page 1

May 2016 Enhanced commitment on beneficial ownership

he Isle of Man Government has T committed to enhancing ISLEXPO event the effectiveness of arrangements for sharing will celebrate beneficial ownership information with the United innovation Sir Chris Hoy Kingdom. will open Chief Minister MHK said: ISLEXPO ‘This has been achieved through The inaugural ISLEXPO is ongoing constructive discussion and is taking place in May to an important demonstration of our support innovation and long-standing partnership to tackle entrepreneurialism in corruption, tax evasion and other the Isle of Man. serious criminality.’ The one-day The arrangement commits to conference is aimed at providing Isle of Man and United inspiring and developing Kingdom law enforcement agencies local enterprise and with adequate, accurate and current encouraging beneficial ownership information on all businesses to relocate corporate and legal entities to the Island. incorporated in their jurisdictions. Arising from this commitment MHK, Minister for the Isle of Man will be establishing the Department of and maintaining a central Economic electronic database of beneficial Development, ownership information. said: ‘ISLEXPO ‘The Isle of Man is not a place will be a fantastic where criminals can find a welcome,’ opportunity to the Chief Minister added. gain valuable ‘We have a strong track record of advice from world- compliance with international class speakers, standards and this commitment with including Sir Chris the United Kingdom will further Hoy MBE, as well as strengthen our defences against receive hands-on criminal activity. training from the likes ‘A truly global approach to tax of Google Digital transparency and information sharing Garage. The event is set is needed to fight the scourge of to kick start the Department’s serious crime. As a well-regulated and £50million Enterprise internationally responsible country, the Development Scheme and Isle of Man is committed to playing its celebrate the entrepreneurial part in efforts to achieve meaningful spirit of the Isle of Man.’ progress.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS MAY 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 25/04/2016 10:19 Page 2

Isle of Man Trade agreement becomes part of SEPA with Shanghai

The Isle of Man has become part of the MOU strengthens Isle of Man’s relationship with China geographical scope of the direct debit and credit transfer schemes of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). he Isle of Man has signed a This is a significant development Memorandum of that will enable banks in the Island to T Understanding (MOU) with apply to join the SEPA schemes, which the Shanghai Municipal facilitate fast and secure cross-border Commission of Commerce in transfers in euros. China. The Isle of Man has worked in Economic Development Minister partnership with Jersey and Guernsey Laurence Skelly MHK led an Isle of Man to progress this matter and put in place business delegation in April to foster the relevant legislation to meet SEPA cooperation on economic, trade and Shanghai is the leading financial centre in requirements. investment matters between the two China and its Free Trade Zone is integral in Economic Development Minister regions. China’s endeavour to liberalise conditions Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘This gives The Minister signed the MOU with Ms for trade with the rest of the world. banks in the Isle of Man the Yuying Shang, the Chairman of the ‘The MOU gives us the opportunity to opportunity to join the SEPA direct Shanghai Commission (pictured right). work together for the long term to benefit debit and credit transfer schemes and Minister Skelly said: ‘This is an both regions and provide wider commercial offer customers the benefits that these important step forward in solidifying our opportunities to engage with the Shanghai secure and efficient schemes provide relationship with China and its regions. region.’ for payments in euros.’ Reinforcing defences against money laundering

The Isle of Man Government has updated comprehensive recommendations issued ‘Money laundering and terrorist its stance against money laundering and by the Financial Action Task Force, the financing present global threats, against the financing of terrorism with a new global anti-money laundering organisation which all countries have a responsibility to national strategy. established in 1989 by the G7 countries provide robust defences. This is a The document sets out priority goals and the European Commission. responsibility that the Isle of Man takes and actions identified following a review of Undertaking a national risk assessment particularly seriously. existing defences – a national risk is now a recommendation of the Financial ‘As a recognised centre for assessment (NRA) – carried out across the Action Task Force. The process helps international business and finance, the public and private sectors in 2014/15. governments and business to allocate anti- Island is home to many successful The NRA was conducted ahead of this money laundering resources to where they companies which have a significant year’s evaluation of the Isle of Man by are most needed and most effective. presence around the world. MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe body Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has ‘We are determined to protect the which monitors compliance with the latest spoken of the Island’s ‘continuing reputation and integrity of our business international standards against money commitment to uphold the highest community by ensuring that the Isle of laundering and terrorist financing. international standards in protecting our Man is not a place where criminals can Standards are set in the form of economy against criminal abuse.’ find a welcome.’ in fact The Isle of Man is situated in the middle of the Irish Sea The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown at the centre of the British Isles. It is 33 miles (53km) Dependency with its own government and laws, made long and 13 miles (22km) wide at its broadest point, in Tynwald, which was founded more than 1,000 years with a resident population of 84,497. ago and is the world’s oldest continuous parliament. The Island has a distinct cultural and political identity. It is the policy of the Isle of Man Government to be It is not, and never has been, a part of the United both economically competitive and internationally Kingdom. Nor is it part of the European Union, with which responsible in supporting the interests of its people. it has a special and limited relationship allowing for free More information about the Isle of Man trade in agricultural and manufactured products. Government can be found at www.gov.im INTERNATIONAL FOCUS MAY 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 25/04/2016 10:19 Page 3

Hollie looking forward to studying in Idaho

Former Ramsey Grammar School student Hollie Jaques is the winner of the 2016 Ella Olesen Scholarship. Hollie will follow a long line of local students in spending nine months at the University of Idaho in the USA. The scholarship is named after a former registrar of the university who died in 1985. Her Manx ancestry – her mother Margaret Teare was born in Ballaugh and emigrated to America in 1890 – led her to gift the scholarship in 1971. It is awarded annually to a female degree student who has been supported through her studies by the Department of Education and Children. Hollie, 21, is studying politics and geography at the University of Glasgow Festival Interceltique de Lorient, where, in endorse Manx culture abroad and promote and plays an active part in many aspects 2015, she participated in events for the Island internationally. I am also keen of university life, not least sharing her dignitaries and was interviewed for French to see more of the world and meet new passion for Manx dancing with fellow TV. people. students. She has won two North American Manx ‘The scholarship, which brings with it She has represented the Island at Awards for her contribution to culture. the opportunity to fly the Manx flag, is the numerous Celtic festivals, including the Hollie said: ‘I am keen to continue to perfect next step in my life.’ Island students Visit helps to strengthen links learn Japanese with Mexico The Mexican Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Diego Gomez Pickering, Linguistic diversity celebrated within education system recently visited the Isle of Man. The Ambassador is visiting UK cities and the Crown Dependencies to tudents in the Isle of Man Japanese pop culture such as anime strengthen links and friendships with (cartoons), music and fashion. are learning one of the Mexico. world’s most difficult ‘Our own Beckii Cruel is a celebrity in S His Excellency was accompanied by Japan. There are several Manx-themed languages. Evelyn Vera-Barreto, Head of Education restaurants in Japan and a folk group in Pupils from two high schools are and International Cooperation at the Tokyo that plays Manx music.’ working together to learn Japanese in an Mexican Embassy in London. Japanese uses three writing systems as initiative supported by the Japan The strength and diversity of the well as the Roman alphabet. One of these Foundation, which promotes international Island’s economy and its priorities to systems, alone, has 1,945 characters. cultural exchange. ensure ongoing economic success were Often, a sentence comprises all three A grant from the foundation has high on the agenda at the meetings. systems. purchased learning materials and paid for The Chief Minister said: ‘The visit Mr Teare added: ‘In the Isle of Man, books. allowed us to explore ways of pupils are lucky as linguistic diversity is Rob Teare, Head of the Manx Language extending business, education and celebrated by our inclusive and ambitious Unit and a fluent Japanese speaker, cultural links between our two countries education system. We have many bilingual delivers the lessons voluntarily. in a way that benefits us both.’ pupils and our own traditional language is He said: ‘The Island has long-standing experiencing a phenomenal revival. His Excellency and Ms Vera-Barreto connections with Japan through the TT were also shown around the Isle of ‘It’s fantastic that our pupils have and some of our manufacturing companies Man College of Further and Higher access to fascinating and diverse have business ties to Japan. Education by Minister MHK languages such as Manx, French, German, ‘For most pupils taking lessons, and College managers. Chinese, Spanish and Japanese.’ however, the principal attraction is INTERNATIONAL FOCUS MAY 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 25/04/2016 10:19 Page 4

Sir Richard is Unlocking potential Island’s next Lt. Governor for offshore energy The Isle of Man Government has announced the appointment of Sir Richard Gozney as the next Lieutenant Agreements in place to explore options for wind and tidal power Governor of the Island. Sir Richard, who succeeded Adam Wood when DONG Energy is one of the leading energy he Isle of Man Government has his term of office concluded in groups in northern Europe and has announced signed a contract aimed at April, enjoyed a distinguished plans to build the world’s biggest offshore wind T further unlocking the Isle of career in the British farm in the Irish Sea off the coast of Cumbria. Man’s potential to become a leader in Diplomatic Service. This Walney Extension is expected to be fully offshore energy production. culminated, between 2007 commissioned in 2018, surpassing the scale of and 2012, in the post of The Agreement for Lease will allow DONG the London Array Offshore Wind Farm. Energy to explore the possibility of developing a Governor and Commander-in- The agreement with the Isle of Man wind farm in Manx waters off the north east Chief of Bermuda. Government will enable the company to carry coast of the Island. From 2000 to 2007 he was out preliminary surveys to determine the British Ambassador to The creation of an offshore energy hub is practicality and commercial viability of siting Indonesia and then British one of the core strategies of the Government’s wind turbines within the 12-mile limit of the High Commissioner to Nigeria. long-term plans for economic growth. Leasing Island's territorial sea. parts of the Isle of Man’s Sir Richard, who was Infrastructure Minister MHK seabed for renewable educated at Oxford and is said: ‘The opportunities for renewable energy in energy generation is married with two sons, has Manx territorial waters are significant.’ expected to make a also worked in Argentina, The announcement reinforces the Isle of significant contribution to Spain and Swaziland and as Man’s desire to harness its natural resources for public funds and local job Private Secretary to three offshore energy production. It follows the creation, as well as British Foreign and granting of a survey licence to assess the lowering carbon Commonwealth Secretaries. potential to develop a tidal array off the Island’s emissions. The Lieutenant Governor is northern coast. appointed by HM The Queen as the representative of the SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES: Minister Phil Gawne MHK Crown in the Isle of Man. Isle of Man a crucial player in satellite industry

Isle of Man satellite firm ManSat carries out ManSat Ltd played a leading satellite filings for the Isle of role at a groundbreaking Man under a contract with the satellite business and finance Manx Government’s conference in California. Communications Commission. The SmallSat Symposium Mr Stott, global chairman was the first of its kind in of the Society of Satellite Silicon Valley, which is home Professionals International, to many of the world’s largest ManSat CEO Chris Stott (left) with Amir Blachman (cen - said: ‘The Isle of Man high-tech corporations. tre), Managing Director of the Space Angels Network, continues to grow as a crucial A range of speakers and and Marco Villa, President and Chief Operating Officer player in the world satellite panel discussions explored the of Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems industry.’ technologies, business He added: ‘Independent aspects and the financial and panel discussion and taking opportunity to highlight the research ranks the Isle of Man legal knowledge that is the opportunity to showcase Island in front of the as the third biggest player in leading the rapid growth in the Isle of Man. industry’s leading the world, behind only the UK the small satellite market. Mr Stott explained: ‘This entrepreneurs and financiers, and the USA, as the ManSat was one of the was a significant new event, venture capitalists and jurisdiction of choice for symposium’s sponsors, with held in the heart of Silicon representatives from the core commercial geostationary CEO Chris Stott moderating a Valley, affording a great satellite industry.’ satellite operators.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS MAY 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 25/04/2016 10:19 Page 5

Farming champion to visit Festival

The star of two popular BBC1 television programmes will be the guest celebrity at this year’s Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival. Gareth Wyn Jones is the subject of ‘The Hill Farm’, a documentary about three generations of his family who tend Tyn Llwyfan in North Wales, and ‘The Farmer and the Food Chain’, in which he explores ways Wales can develop its food industry. In 2013, he won the NFU Cymru/Principality Welsh Rural Community Champion Award. The following year, he was shortlisted for the Farmers’ Guardian Farming Hero Award in the British Farming Awards. He will speak about his life in farming and his TV career as he gives cookery demonstrations at the festival in September. The festival is organised by the Department of Environment, Food and CELEBRITY GUEST: Gareth Wyn Jones will be part of the Food & Drink Festival Agriculture, which has a £50 million strategy to grow the value of the sector to farming, food, supply and procurement, biggest showcase of which is the festival,’ the economy, Food Matters. his experience ties in perfectly with our said Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for ‘With Gareth’s knowledge of hill own drive to develop food and drink, the Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Island cattle granted TB-free status Funding supports The Isle of Man’s cattle herd has been granted official tuberculosis-free status by the EU Commission after years of rigorous scrutiny. relief efforts The announcement further enhances the reputation of the Island's breeding cattle and is an endorsement Donations will help thousands of vulnerable people of the Island's strict disease control measures. Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for he Isle of Man International those affected by the refugee crisis in Environment, Food and Agriculture, Development Committee Europe. Funding will improve the food said: ‘This is the end of a long road of T (IDC) has allocated £50,000 security of Syrian refugees in southern research, testing and robust control of emergency aid to provide life- Turkey by providing e-vouchers for the purchase of food and water. measures that will allow us to increase saving support to some of the Funding donated by the Isle of Man is our trade in quality breeding stock, with world’s most vulnerable people. the obvious economic benefits. continuing to make a positive difference to A devastating drought in Ethiopia has disadvantaged people around the world. ‘A number of our herds have an led to the country’s worst food shortages Phil Gawne MHK, Chair of the international reputation in their in 30 years. The situation has been classed International Development Committee, respective breeds and official TB-free by the United Nations as the world’s third said: ‘These charities urgently need status will enhance this by adding a biggest humanitarian crisis. The IDC will funding to deliver vital food, water and further quality guarantee.’ support Oxfam’s emergency response by medical supplies in countries devastated The criteria for official TB-free providing £30,000 for food and safe water by conflict and natural disasters. The status is six years with no outbreaks for drinking and washing. from a local source. support from the Isle of Man will add to A further £20,000 will be provided to donations from other nations to improve support GOAL, a charity working to assist the lives of thousands of people.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS MAY 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 25/04/2016 10:19 Page 6

Biosphere accolade will boost Island’s status UNESCO award recognises Island as a special place for people and nature

he Isle of Man has earned a jurisdiction in the world to be awarded the and Agriculture, led the nomination for major global accolade from accolade. Biosphere Reserve recognition with the T UNESCO, the United Nations ‘This reflects our exceptional quality of support of the Government, business, the Educational, Scientific and life and will help spread the message to third sector, environmental groups and schools. Cultural Organisation. the world that the Island is a great place to visit, live, work and do business,’ said Two years’ work went into providing The Island has been awarded Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for the detailed evidence needed to gain the Biosphere Reserve status by UNESCO’s Environment, Food and Agriculture. accolade, which was ratified at a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere programme. There are 669 Biosphere Reserves in Biosphere Reserve congress in Peru. Biosphere Reserves are ‘special places 120 countries. They include such iconic ‘In awarding us Biosphere Reserve for people and nature’. The recognition is sites as Ayers Rock (Uluru), Yellowstone in status, UNESCO is recognising the great awarded to areas that demonstrate a the USA, the Cape Winelands in South relationship between people going about successful balance between the two. Africa, Mount Kenya and Central Amazon. their lives and the wonderful environment The Isle of Man is the first entire The Department of Environment, Food we all enjoy,’ the Minister said.

Isle of Man takes part in Queen’s birthday celebrations

The Isle of Man took part in a special event to celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. A beacon was lit on the Green at St John’s on Thursday 21 April 2016 and a message of congratulations was read on behalf of HRH The Prince of Wales. Members of the community participated in the tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth who as Lord of Mann is our Head of State.

Isle of Man Government Government Office Bucks Road, Douglas, Is published by: Isle of Man, IM1 3PN Corporate Communications Telephone: +44 (0)1624 685284 Cabinet Office Email: [email protected]