Falklands : Falklands to Tackle Economic Development Strategy
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 29.09.2008 (Article Archived on 13.10.2008)
A widely consultative process was launched on 1 September at the Chamber of Commerce to develop a new Economic Development Strategy for the Falkland Islands. Councillors, officials and private sector businesses agree that a comprehensive planning process is required to pull together Islands Plan aspirations and the Government budget round to create a more rounded national economic strategy framework within which private business can develop and grow.
Falklands to tackle Economic Development Strategy
A widely consultative process was launched on 1 September at the Chamber of Commerce to develop a new Economic Development Strategy for the Falkland Islands. Councillors, officials and private sector businesses agree that a comprehensive planning process is required to pull together Islands Plan aspirations and the Government budget round to create a more rounded national economic strategy framework within which private business can develop and grow.
A core group consisting of Councillors, FIG directors and representatives from private sector industry groups has approved the terms of reference and project plan which is to be led by Sonny Jose, Head of Policy for FIG, and this group will co-ordinate the overall plan. It will be assisted by a number of working groups dedicated to:
- the fiscal framework, budget spending and tax policy;
- existing industries development (tourism, fishing, wool/meat, etc);
- privatization and diversification;
- financial resource mobilization and capital market development;
- integrated area development (urban-rural synergies, planning and strategic land use, environmental issues);
- small business development, labour supply, immigration and new business initiatives.
Each of these groups will consist of up to 10 members representing the key private and public sector interests, and will present their recommendations to the core group. They will also pick up much of the work already being done by groups like the Rural Development Strategy group and the Tourism Strategy group.
This is an important initiative that requires the broadest possible co-operation between all interested groups to provide a cohesive strategy going forward.
For further information please contact Sonny Jose telephone 28428 email sjose@sec.gov.fk
Councillor Mike Summers OBE
Gilbert House
Stanley
24 September 2008
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