Priorities for the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council 2013
The UK and the Overseas Territories share a vision for the Territories as vibrant and flourishing communities, proudly retaining aspects of British identity and generating wider opportunities for their people.
The Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meets once a year to:
- lead work to review and implement the strategy and commitments in the 2012 White Paper The Overseas Territories: Security, Success and Sustainability
- provide a forum for the exchange of views on political and constitutional issues between the governments of the Overseas Territories and the UK Government
- promote the security and good governance of the Territories and their sustainable economic and social development
- agree priorities, develop plans and review implementation
Discussions at JMC 2013 will be centred on promoting economic growth in the Territories and creating jobs.
Sessions are likely to focus on topics including:
- economic diversification
- attracting investment
- vocational education
- employment
There are also likely to be discussions on the environment, tax and transparency, and the relationship between the territories and the European Union.
This year will also see a major UK-Overseas Territories Business Forum being held alongside the JMC on 28 November in London. The event will bring together, for the first time, all the Overseas Territories with UK businesses and investors of all sizes, to explore the numerous exciting investment opportunities available in the Territories.
Ministers and elected leaders of the Territories will be reviewing progress made on the commitments in the communiqué issued after the JMC in 2012 and agreeing follow up work for the next 12 months. We will continue to report progress to Parliament every year.
Ministers and senior officials from UK Government Departments will take part in the Council, reflecting the commitment set out in the White Paper for the UK to work across government with the Territories.