External Relations: Report for the period September 2013 to January 2015

Minister for External Relations

Ministerial Report

September 2013 – January 2015

R.15/2015

Ministry of External Relations – January 2015  

Minister for External Relations

Report on the Workings of the Ministry of External Relations September 2013 – January 2015

Foreword  –  by  Senator  Sir  Philip   Bailhache ,  Minister  for

External Relations

The past year and a half has been notable for a number of

achievements,  particularly  the  establishment  of  the

government office in London, the removal of Jersey from a

French  blacklist  of  jurisdictions,  and  the  continued

engagement  with  individual  governments  and  relevant

institutions. This excellent work demonstrates Jersey's global

standing  as  a  cooperative  jurisdiction  complying  with international multilateral standards.

The Island welcomed many distinguished visitors over the past year and a half, and ministers have carried out a series of visits abroad in order to spread understanding of Jersey's unique identity.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Chief Minister and the Assistant Chief Minister with responsibility for financial services, digital, competition, and innovation, and to the officers within the ministry for their advice and support over these past months.

I hope this report will be helpful in explaining the work undertaken on behalf of the Island by those engaged in the conduct of external relations.

  The Minister for External Relations undertook to provide a report on his ministry's work

following the establishment of the post of Minister for External Relations on 24 September 2013.

  This  report  summarises  key  events  and  achievements.  It  follows  the framework  of  the

Common Policy for External Relations, agreed by the Council of Ministers in October 2012, and presented to the States Assembly in November 2012 (R.140/2012) (Appendix A). This report  also  summarises  readily  identifiable  budgets  devoted  to  the  conduct  of  Jersey's external relations across government (Appendix B).

  Jersey is neither part of the United Kingdom nor the European Union (except to a limited

extent under Protocol 3 of the Treaty of Accession of the United Kingdom). Jersey is a self- governing democratic country but is not a sovereign state and cannot in general bind itself internationally without the consent of HM Government[1].

  Under a letter of entrustment dated 1 December 2003, HM Government recognised that

Jersey  could  negotiate  and  conclude  tax  information  exchange  agreements  (TIEAs)  and double taxation agreements (DTAs) that provided for the exchange of information on tax matters to the OECD standard.

  The governments of the United Kingdom and Jersey signed a framework agreement on 1

May 2007 which recognised that Jersey had an international identity which was distinct from the United Kingdom's and that Her Majesty's Government supported the principle of Jersey further developing its international identity.

  The States of Jersey (Minister for External Relations) (Jersey) Regulations 2013 established

the post of Minister for External Relations, replacing the position of Assistant Chief Minister with responsibilities for external relations.

II.  Common Policy on External Relations

  This report covers the 16 areas of the Common Policy on External Relations, as agreed by

the Council of Ministers, for the period September 2013 to January 2015.

1. Engage  positively  with  the  United  Kingdom  Government,  Whitehall  departments  andParliament 

1. The Government of Jersey London Office was established in September 2013[1], and initiated  a  comprehensive  programme  of  engagement  with  parliamentarians, government officials, political advisors and members of the diplomatic community.
2. The Jersey London Office has supported Jersey's interaction with the UK Government, including on:  

accelerating  the  process  of  obtaining  UK  consent  for  secondary  fisheries legislation, with a view to removing the need for such consent;

agreeing new procedures with the UK Intellectual Property Office to expedite the Island signing up to a series of important international agreements; and

obtaining special dispensation from the UK Department for Education to enable online literacy and numeracy tests for Initial Teacher Training candidates to take place in Jersey, avoiding the need to travel to the UK;

3. The Jersey London Office has also:

facilitated a series of ministerial visits within the UK to engage productively with UK ministers, their departments and cross-party contacts to build understanding of Jersey's position and interests;

fostered Jersey's relationship with the Channel Islands' All Party Parliamentary Group (an interest group of MPs and members of the House of Lords) to create a network of supporters for Jersey within the UK Parliament; and

hosted the inaugural Jersey Day in London on 7 July 2014, which showcased local  produce.  The  event  was  a  useful  engagement  opportunity  for  Jersey ministers  to  meet  key  parliamentarians,  UK  government  officials  and  the diplomatic and business communities in London. Jersey Day was intended to be

the first of an annual set of events to raise Jersey's profile across key stakeholder groups.

4. Ministers attended the main United Kingdom party political conferences in 2013 and 2014. Meetings were held with a number of ministers, shadow ministers, MPs, and policy advisers.

2. Be a good neighbour, on the basis of reciprocity, to the United Kingdom, France, and otherEuropean States, promoting and protecting Jersey's interest through the Channel Islands'Brussels Office (CIBO)

European Union

1. The Channel Islands Brussels Office (CIBO) has continued to fulfil a series of essential roles including widening the Channel Islands' networks among EU decision makers, raising  awareness  of  the  bailiwicks'  commitments  to financial  stability  and  tax transparency, and raising awareness of their contribution to growth in the European economy.
2. In January 2014 the Chief Ministers of Guernsey and Jersey held joint discussions with key  European  influencers.  Meetings  included  representatives  from  the main  EU institutions,  including  the  European  Parliament,  the European  Commission  and representatives of Member States (the Council). In addition, EU issues were discussed with governments and regulators during visits by officials to Denmark, Ireland, Austria, and Latvia.

The Chief Ministers of Guernsey and Jersey at the European Parliament

3. Over the past 12 months, in the field of tax and financial services, CIBO has:

provided timely advice and information on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) in preparation for negotiations to secure equivalent status for both Islands;

assessed  the  implications  of  banking  union  for  Channel  Islands  interests, including  the  EU  Bank  Recovery  and  Resolution  Directive,  and  coordinating engagement with the EU Commission;

led  a  series  of  technical  meetings  with  the  European  Commission  on  the treatment of trusts under the fourth Anti Money Laundering Directive;

supported engagement on, and analysis of, key tax dossiers such as the revisions of the EU Savings Directive and the Administrative Cooperation Directive; and

coordinated  engagement  with  the  UK  Payments  Council  and  the  European Payments Council (EPC) on the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) which has cleared the way for a formal application by interested banks in the Channel Islands, once the necessary domestic legislation is in place.

4. CIBO has also continued to identify wider EU initiatives that affect the Channel Islands as a consequence either of Protocol 3, of existing international commitments, or of domestic  policy  initiatives,  and  has  led  relevant  dialogue  with  the  EU  institutions. Specific developments included:

protecting the Channel Islands' interests in negotiations on the revision of EU data protection standards; and

timely implementation of new EU sanctions. CIBO secured recognition from EU member states of the islands' commitments on sanctions and asset recovery.

5. Securing amendments to EU aviation emissions trading legislation (excluding flights to/from the Channel Islands until at least 2017), and obtaining endorsement of the Channel Islands' airport security protocols by the EU Commission in April 2014.
6. Securing  approval  from  the EU  Commission  of  a  proposed  cattle  disease  testing programme.
7. Exploring options for maintaining an investment protection agreement with Singapore after the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement enters into force.

(viii) Providing further advice and analysis on the opportunities for the Channel Islands to

become  involved  in  EU-funded  cross  border  projects  between  English  and  French partners in the Channel region.

France

9. A significant ministerial achievement was the removal of Jersey from a French blacklist of jurisdictions in December 2013. This was achieved by addressing a small number of outstanding requests for tax information, by modifying regulations dealing with tax information requests, and through ministerial dialogue.
10. The Island's presence in France has been enhanced by the establishment in June 2014 of a joint Channel Islands representative office in Caen, the Bureau des Isles Anglo- Normandes (BIAN), to replace the Bureau de Jersey.
11. The Minister for External Relations led a delegation to meet the Groupes d'Etudes des Isles  Anglo-Normandes  at  the  Assemblée  Nationale  in  Paris,  to  discuss  Jersey's cooperative approach to tax information exchange (February 2014).

The Jersey delegation with members of the Groupes d'Etudes des Isles Anglo Normandes

12. The  Minister  and  the  then  Assistant  Minister  for  Economic  Development  ( Deputy Carolyn   Labey )  attended  the  Salon  d'Agriculture  in  Paris  on  22/23  February,  2014 (Europe's leading agriculture exhibition showcasing produce from the different regions of France) supporting Jersey's agricultural industry.

(xiii) Jersey  enhanced  engagement  with  representatives  from  Brittany  and  Normandy

through discussions with Président Tourenne of the Ile de Vilaine in Cancale (May 2014), a meeting with the Vice-Président du Basse-Normandie (May 2014), and by hosting a meeting of the representatives of the Préfet de Bretagne (July 2014).

(xiv) Jersey's Liberation Day in 2014 was notable as the first time that the French Consul General,  Mr  Olivier  Chambard;  the  Président  du  Basse-Normandie,  Mr  Laurent

Beauvais;  the  Préfet  de  la  Manche,  Madame  Danièle  Polvé-Montmasson;  and  the Président du Conseil General de la Manche, Mr Jean-François Le Grand met as a group.

3. Maintain  positive  relations  with  the  Bailiwick  of  Guernsey  and  the  Isle  of  Man,  co- ordinating  on  matters  of  mutual  interest  in  external  relations,  and  working  with  theBailiwick of Guernsey to deliver common services to the benefit of the people of theChannel Islands

1. Jersey ministers collaborated with their counterparts in Guernsey and the Isle of Man at the British Irish Council Leaders' Summit hosted by Jersey in November 2013. There have also been tripartite and bilateral meetings concerning matters such as tax, health and social services, aviation and maritime affairs, financial risk strategies, and our relationship with the UK and the EU.
2. Pan-island meetings (involving both Jersey and Guernsey) were held with UK ministers, including the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and the Minister for Europe.
3. In  December  2013  a  joint  Channel  Islands  reception  in  the House  of  Commons, showcasing  the culture  and  economies  of the islands,  was  attended by significant numbers of parliamentarians.
4. Work  continues  on  developing  a  closer  working  relationship  with  the Bailiwick  of Guernsey on matters of common interest, including marine conservation.
5. The Minister for External Relations paid a visit to Sark in July 2014 to discuss matters of mutual interest.

4. Promote  international  cultural  relations  by  building  on  Jersey's  shared  history  andlongstanding links around the world

1. A reception hosted by the Jersey London Office for the Young Diplomats Association was  attended  by over  100  members  of  the  diplomatic  community  and  promoted Jersey's  interests,  including  the Island's  cultural  heritage.  Delegates  were  offered Jersey food and drink and were entertained by Frankie Davies, a Jersey-born singer.
2. The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst , attended the seventieth anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy Remembrance Day with other leaders in Normandy on 6 June 2014.

Young Diplomats Association Reception – Their Excellences the El Salvadorian and Indonesian Ambassadors with Kate Nutt, Head of London Office

3. The ministry has been involved with political representation at:

the thirtieth anniversary edition of the Tour des Ports de la Manche. More than 100 yachts and some 600 crew on the Jersey leg of the prestigious race;

the Commonwealth Games; and

the Edinburgh Culture Summit, which was attended by the Assistant Minister for Education, Sport and Culture ( Deputy Rod Bryans).

5. Sustain a strong international profile, supported by relevant international agreements andby relationships with the international diplomatic community, to enhance recognition ofJersey's commitment to international standards

1. The Minister of External Relations hosted a series of meetings with representatives from the diplomatic community in London, including heads of mission from Germany, Finland, Lithuania, Malta and Portugal.
2. The Island hosted a visit by 18 representatives from the Arab Ambassadors' Council with the purpose of building relations and improving trade, tourism and cultural links (22 – 23 May 2014) led by the UAE Ambassador.

The Chief Minister, the Bailiff , and members of the Arab Ambassadors' Council

3. The  Island  supported  international  tax  standards  through  a  number  of  channels, notably:

the St Petersburg G20 Summit Leaders Declaration in September 2013 which covered tax avoidance by multinational companies, tax information exchange, and the need to work with developing countries;

through joint statements issued on the 28 November 2013 (by 36 countries) and March 2014 (by 44 countries) committing to the early adoption of the Common Reporting Standard on automatic exchange of information, and adopted by the G20 Finance Ministers in Sydney on 23/24 February 2014;

with the United States of America through an inter-governmental agreement to facilitate  the  reporting  of  relevant  financial  information  held  in  the  Island (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act - FATCA); and

a similar arrangement with the United Kingdom.

4. In  accordance  with  its  international  obligations,  Jersey  has  submitted  a  series  of periodic  reports  over  the  past  12  months  including  submissions  relating  to the International  Covenant  on  Economic,  Social  and  Cultural  Rights;  the  International Convention on the Elimination of Forms of Racial Discrimination; and an annual report tothe International Labour Organisation.
5. In the first half of 2014, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was extended to Jersey.

6. Engage with multilateral institutions, including the European Union, Council of Europe, International  Monetary  Fund  (IMF),  World  Trade  Organisation  (WTO),  Organisation  for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Global Forum on Transparency and  Exchange  of  Information  for  Tax  Purposes,  to  contribute  to  the  development  of international policy

The Assistant Chief Minister at the Euromoney Qatar Conference 2014

1. In October 2013 the Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Philip Ozouf , with officials, attended the Commonwealth Finance Ministers meeting, the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington.
2. Jersey joined the OECD Multilateral Convention on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters, with effect from 1 June 2014. As provided for by the convention, Jersey is open to approaches from other parties to the convention to enter into a mutual agreement on the automatic  exchange  of  information  (AEOI).  Jersey  has  already  signed  35  tax information  exchange  agreements  (TIEAs)  and  eight  double  taxation  agreements (DTAs), of which 29 TIEAs and 7 DTAs are in force.
3. Jersey has been appointed as a vice-chair of the AEOI Working Group of the OECD Global  Forum,  which  will  monitor  the  implementation  of  the  new  international standard, as requested by the G20. This is a reflection of Jersey's international standing as a cooperative jurisdiction complying with international standards.
4. In January 2015 the Island received a team of assessors from Moneyval – a body of the Council of Europe – to review the Island's compliance with international anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism standards (AML/CFT) set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

5. Jersey  has  engaged  actively  with  international  efforts  to recover  misappropriated assets, including participation in the Arab Forum on Asset Recovery, the World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), and the Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery.

7. Participate actively in the British Irish Council

1. Jersey is an active member of the British Irish Council (BIC), which was established as part of the multi-party agreement reached in Belfast on 10 April 1998. The Ministry of External Relations worked closely with the BIC secretariat, member administrations, and other Jersey government departments to coordinate the Island's position within BIC at summit, ministerial and work stream meetings.
2. In November 2013, Jersey hosted the BIC Leaders' Summit meeting at which all eight member administrations were present. The council discussed the economic situation in the member  administrations  with  a  particular  focus  on  policy  initiatives  and programmes aimed at helping young people into employment.

The 21st British Irish Council Leaders' Summit in Jersey

3. Jersey promoted, and now leads, a new creative industries work sector. This work sector reflects the increasing global recognition of the economic and social potential of the cultural economy, such as the new digital industries.
4. The Chief Minister and the Minister for Transport and Technical Services ( Deputy Kevin Lewis ) attended the June 2014 BIC Summit in Guernsey, and the Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister (Senator Paul Routier) attended the November BIC Summit in the Isle of Man.

5. The  Minister  for  Housing  ( Deputy  Andrew  Green)  attended  a  housing  ministerial meeting in October 2013. The Minister for Health and Social Services ( Deputy Anne Pryke) attended the ministerial meeting of the BIC's sectorial group on the misuse of substances in June 2014.

8. Promote Jersey's relationship with existing and emerging major economies, and developthe Island's international reputation as a centre of excellence and an outstanding place todo business

1. A means by which ministers (principally, the Chief Minister, the Minister for External Relations,  the Minister  for  Economic  Development,  the Minister  for  Treasury  and Resources and the Assistant Chief Minister for Financial Services) promote Jersey's interests is through their personal engagement with foreign government ministers, ambassadors and officials.
2. Ministers have been engaged in several initiatives: October 2013:

a visit to UAE/GC, to strengthen bilateral relations and forge closer diplomatic and business links in the region;

December 2013:

a visit to Israel to attend a leading economic conference and strengthen ties in the region. Meeting between the Chief Minister and the President of Israel;

a visit to Paris for discussion of the French Government's listing of Jersey as a non-cooperative jurisdiction;

a  visit  to  Qatar  by  the  Treasury  Minister  to  attend  the  "Euromoney" Conference; and

a visit to Jersey by the Danish Ambassador to strengthen bilateral relations with an EU member state.

January 2014:

Guernsey's and Jersey's Chief Ministers held joint discussions with key European influencers  to  raise  awareness  of  the  bailiwicks'  commitments  to  financial stability  and  tax  transparency,  and  of  their  contribution  to  growth  in  the European economy;

The Minister for External Relations visiting Abu Dhabi

a visit to Lisbon to strengthen relations with an EU member state that has a large community of Portuguese citizens living in Jersey;

a visit to Jersey by the Turkish Ambassador to develop bilateral relations and explain Jersey's status as a IFC and its relationship with the City of London;

a meeting with Irish Ambassador to continue to build on good relations with a key EU Member State;

a meeting with the Romanian Ambassador to consider an agreement on the recognition of driving licenses, and progress on negotiating a tax agreement (TIEA); and

a meeting with delegates and government officials attending the China-British Business Council to discuss business links between Jersey and China including Jersey Dairy exports.

February 2014:

a meeting with the Office for Trade and Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Israel and UK Israel Business to strengthen business links especially with Israel's well-established technology sector; and

a  meeting  with  the  Groupes  d'Etudes  des  Isles  Anglo-Normandes  at  the Assemblée Nationale in Paris to discuss Jersey's cooperative approach to tax information exchange.

March 2014:

a meeting with the Lithuanian Ambassador to discuss progress regarding a TIEA, and EU issues; and

a meeting with the Kuwaiti Ambassador to secure the Ambassador's support for Jersey's engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the wider Arab Ambassadors' Council (AAC).

April 2014:

a visit to Jersey by the Japanese Ambassador to develop existing trade links and seek new market opportunities;

a  visit  to  China  to  strengthen trade  links  in  the  financial  services  and  dairy industries, tourism to Jersey, and educational ties;

a visit to Malta to strengthen bilateral relations with an EU member state and discuss matters beneficial to both island communities; and

a meeting with the AAC to pursue business / trade opportunities;

May 2014:

a meeting with the Polish Ambassador to strengthen bilateral relations with an EU member state with a significant community living in Jersey;

a visit to Jersey by the AAC to strengthen relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and to demonstrate the Island's standing as an international finance centre, and its relationship with the City of London;

a visit to UAE to develop bilateral and business relations with the Emirates; and

a visit to Qatar and Saudi Arabia to develop bilateral relations. The Treasury Minister (Senator Philip Ozouf ) spoke at the Euromoney Conference - and held meetings with ministers and UK trade officials in Qatar.

June 2014:

a  visit  to  Madeira  to  deepen  ties  between  Madeira  and  Jersey  and  discuss matters of mutual interest to both communities;

a meeting with the Lesotho High Commissioner; an introductory meeting to establish bilateral diplomatic relations;

a meeting with the Nigerian High Commissioner to provide an introduction to the Island, develop opportunities for economic and trade links, and support negotiations towards a double taxation agreement (DTA); and

a meeting with the Swaziland High Commissioner; an introductory meeting to establish bilateral diplomatic relations.

The Minister for Economic Development met Premier Li Keqiang of China at the UK-China Business Dinner sponsored by Locate Jersey

July 2014:

a  meeting  with  the  French  Ambassador  to  reinforce  bilateral  relations  with France;

a meeting with the South African High Commissioner to explore opportunities for increasing trade and economic links;

a  meeting  with  the  Indian  High  Commissioner  to  explore  opportunities  for increasing trade and economic links; and

a  meeting  with  the  Secretary  General  of  the  Commonwealth  to  provide  an overview of Jersey's involvement with the Commonwealth and explore further areas for co-operation.

August 2014:

a visit to Jersey by the Chinese Ambassador a key visit promoting business and trade (including Jersey Dairy), education and cultural links.

September 2014

a visit to Jersey by the Romanian Ambassador to sign a reciprocal driving licence agreement and to meet members of the Romanian community living in Jersey;

a visit to Jersey by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade aimed at promoting trade between Jersey and China; and

a visit to Normandy to attend the World Equestrian Games furthering relations with Lower and Upper Normandy and engagement with French ministers.

October 2014:

a visit to Berlin to attend OECD Global Forum to attend the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes and to sign as part  of  the  Early  Adopters'  Group  a  Multilateral  Competent  Authority Agreement.

November 2014:

a meeting with the new French Ambassador; an initial meeting to communicate Jersey's  wish  to  maintain  and  develop  relations  with  central  government  in Paris;

a visit to Jersey by the New Zealand High Commissioner to develop Jersey's relationship with a key commonwealth country. The High Commissioner is a well-respected member of the London diplomatic community with experience as a  government  minister,  parliamentary  speaker  and  New  Zealand  Dairy Marketing Board manager

a visit to Jersey by the Nigerian High Commissioner to develop relationships with Nigeria's fast-growing financial and professional services and establish support for a ministerial visit to Abuja;

a visit to Jersey by the Indian Deputy High Commissioner during preparations for the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in Jersey;

a visit to the Euromoney Qatar Conference to further raise Jersey's profile. December 2014:

a visit by a delegation from the Rwandan High Commissioner to discuss possible TIEA and further diplomatic and trade relations.

9. Implement UN sanctions and EU restrictive measures in support of international objectivesto address activities or policies that threaten the international rule of law, human rights,respect for democratic principles or international peace and security, or to prevent andsuppress the financing of terrorists and terrorist acts

1. The Minister for External Relations introduced more than 30 sanction orders in respect of  Syria,  Tunisia,  Libya,  Iran,  Belarus,  North  Korea,  Guinea  and  Ivory  Coast  and implemented new sanctions in respect of the Central African Republic, Ukraine, Crimea and Sevastopol and Russia.
2. A  key  development  has  been  the  adoption  of  a  new  European  Union  Legislation (Implementation) (Jersey) Law 2014, which updates the 1996 law and will enable the more efficient implementation of sanction measures in future.
3. Working relations with the European External Action Service (EAS), the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and HM Treasury sanctions teams have been developed to ensure the timely implementation of UN and EU sanctions measures.
4. In May 2014, the States Assembly agreed that the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court should be extended to the Island, a court that tries persons of the most serious crimes of international concern.

10. Assist in the identification, monitoring and reduction of external systemic risk to the Jerseyeconomy

(i)  An interim Financial Stability Board has been established to coordinate strategies for dealing with threats to financial stability.

11. Ensure that Jersey is prepared for external change that may affect the Island's formalrelationship with the United Kingdom and/or European Union

1. CIBO has coordinated the Channel Islands' engagement, together with the Isle of Man, in the UK government's review of the balance of competences, which is an evidence- based assessment of the impact of current EU powers or competences.
2. Jersey  and  Guernsey  have  used  their  engagement  with  the review  to enhance understanding among Whitehall departments and UK ministers of the way in which the different EU competences impact on the Channel Islands, and thus of the interests which are at stake in the event of any change to the balance of those competences. CIBO, on behalf of both governments, has submitted evidence, including for the review by HM Treasury of the free movement of capital.

3. The ongoing debate in the UK about its future relationship with the EU is a matter of importance to the Channel Islands. The governments of both islands have signified that, although they themselves are not looking for any change to their constitutional or trading relationship with either the UK or the EU, the islands must be prepared for any externally driven change and ensure that their interests are protected.
4. Jersey London Office has provided updates and analysis on political developments in the UK, to ensure Jersey ministers are fully apprised of the potential impact on Jersey of any changes. This has included observations and engagement advice on the evolving UK political landscape and significant events such as the Scott ish referendum.

12. Share Jersey's experience as a well-run small island state and international financial centrewith other countries and seek to learn from the success of others

1. Jersey  London  Office  held  a  joint  event  with  the Association  of  Economic Representatives in London, with economic representatives from ten countries, which facilitated promotion of Jersey's financial services industry, the Island's commitment to international standards, and position as a centre of excellence.
2. Technical assistance meetings have been held with the Department for International Development, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and with diplomatic contacts (both at high commissioner and official level) to progress Jersey's role in providing technical assistance to developing nations, with a particular emphasis on African states.
3. The Ministry for External Relations hosted the Governor (Designate) of the British Virgin Islands in June 2014 to explain the Island's financial compliance regime and other legal and regulatory issues prior to him taking up his post.
4. The Ministry hosted officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Overseas Territories Directorate to improve their knowledge on a range of issues including the environment, waste management, public finance, civil service reform, recruitment, the sustainability of skills, emergency/contingency planning, and shared services.
5. Jersey hosted a roundtable discussion in the Houses of Parliament on 26 November 2014 examining the relationship between international finance centres and developing countries. The meeting was attended by parliamentarians, diplomats, representatives from the financial community and non-governmental organisations. The roundtable followed the launch by Jersey Finance Limited of the Capital Economics Report on Jersey's Value to Africa.

13. Engage in poverty reduction and capacity building activities in developing countries bysupporting  the  work  of  the  Jersey  Overseas  Aid  Commission,  and  through  technicalassistance

(i)  The Jersey Overseas Aid Commission manages monies voted annually by the States of Jersey  for  oversea  aid.  Further  detail  of  its  aid  programme  and  grants  issued  for 2013/2014 are available at www.jerseyoverseasaid.org.je.

14. Support the Law Officers' Department in the provision of mutual legal assistance to othercountries and in the lawful recovery and return and/or sharing of forfeited or confiscatedassets, where reciprocal agreements exist

(i)  A Jersey asset recovery taskforce was established in 2013 to coordinate the Island's activity as part of an international effort to identify and recover illicitly obtained assets linked to Arab Spring jurisdictions. This work remains ongoing.

15. Build on the current, active participation in the Commonwealth; through the secretariat,Law Association, Parliamentary Association, and other Commonwealth bodies

1. The Minister for External Relations met His Excellency Mr Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, in July 2014 to consider ways for further involvement by Jersey in Commonwealth activities.
2. The Ministry for External Relations provided advice and assistance to States Members where requested, including:

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association:

British  Islands  and  Mediterranean  Region  Commonwealth  Women Parliamentarians Inaugural Conference, Edinburgh, March 2014;

44th Conference of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region, Cardiff, May 2014; and

Pan-Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference, London, June 2014;

3. At  the  Commonwealth  Games  in  Glasgow,  August  2014,  a  number  of  ministerial meetings were held with UK politicians and members of the diplomatic community.
4. Jersey was the first home' territory to receive the Queen's Baton on its journey around the world tothe Commonwealth Games. A reception event in Jersey was attended by the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP.

16. Support the work of members of the States Assembly with the Assemblée Parlementaire dela Francophonie and the British-Irish Parliamentary 

(i)  The Ministry of External Relations provided advice and assistance to States Members where requested, including:

Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie:

Assemblée  Régionale  (Regional  Conference),  Europe,  Chisinau,  Moldova, November 2013;

Réseau  des  Femmes  parlementaires,  (Women  parliamentarians  network), Brussels, December 2013;

Conférence  des  Présidents  de  la  Région  Europe  (European  Presidents conference) Bucharest et Suceava, March 2014; and

British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly:

47th Plenary Session, London, October 2013.

48th Plenary Session, London, March 2014  

49th Plenary Session, London/Flanders, October 2014

_______________________

Appendices  

1. External Relations: Common Policy, presented to the States on 23 November 2012 bythe Council of Minister (R.140/2012) – External Relations: Common Policy
2. Budgets devoted to external relations by Government and the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission as of 2014.

STATES OF JERSEY - EXTERNAL RELATIONS: COMMON POLICY

Presented to the States on 23 November 2012 by the Council of Ministers (R.140/2012) REPORT

The Council of Ministers,

Noting that the functions of the Chief Minister shall include conducting external relations in accordance with the common policy agreed by the Council of Ministers;

Recalling the distinct history of Jersey, which was part of the Duchy of Normandy from 933 AD through the conquest of England in 1066, and elected to remain loyal to the English Crown when King John lost Normandy in 1204, and was granted its Royal Seal in 1279;

Noting  further  that  Jersey  is  not  a  sovereign  state  and  cannot  in  general  bind  itself internationally without the consent of the sovereign state, but has had domestic autonomy since 1204, and acquired fiscal autonomy through a series of Royal Charters, and is a self- governing, democratic country with the power of self-determination;

Bearing in mind the framework for developing the international identity of Jersey signed by the United Kingdom and Jersey on 1st May 2007, in particular that Jersey has an international identity which is different from that of the United Kingdom and that the United Kingdom supports the principle of Jersey further developing its international identity;

Observing  the recommendations of the Second Interim Report of the Constitution Review Group presented to the States Assembly on 27th June 2008 by the Council of Ministers, noting that it is not Government policy to seek independence from the United Kingdom, but rather to ensure that Jersey is prepared if it were in the best interests of Islanders to do so;

Acknowledging  that Jersey has the right, under terms of the entrustment from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland dated 23rd November 2009, to negotiate and conclude Tax Information Exchange Agreements, and other agreements relating to taxation that provide for exchange of information on tax matters to the OECD standard; and that Jersey was also entrusted on 20th August 2012 to conclude an agreement with the Government of the United States of America regarding the sharing of legally confiscated or forfeited assets;

Recognising that international identity is developed effectively through meeting international standards and obligations;

Noting the Government of the United Kingdom's response to the House of Commons Justice Select Committee's report on the Crown Dependencies (November 2010), in particular Jersey's

status as a Dependency of the British Crown, that is neither part of the United Kingdom, nor, except to a limited extent, the European Union;

Noting also from the same document that the Government of the United Kingdom agrees with the increased use of entrustment, whereby the Crown Dependencies are granted powers to negotiate treaties on their own behalf:

1. Decides on the following principles for the conduct of external relations, namely to:

1. Protect Jersey's unique constitution, and its domestic and fiscal autonomy;
2. Promote Jersey's international identity and good reputation as a responsible country committed to the rule of law, international standards, and respect for internationally recognised human and labour rights;
3. Serve  Jersey's  best  economic  interests  by promoting  a  strong,  diversified economy, safeguarding its competitive position and promoting growth through trade and inward investment;
4. Promote Jersey's national and cultural identity abroad;
5. Join with others in supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries;
6. Abide by internationally agreed standards of environmental stewardship.

2. Also decides, in accordance with these principles, to:

1. Engage  positively  with  the UK  Government,  Whitehall departments and Parliament;
2. Be a good neighbour, on the basis of reciprocity, to the United Kingdom, France and other European States, promoting and protecting Jersey's interests in Europe through the Channel Islands Brussels Office;
3. Maintain positive relations with the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle  of  Man,  co-ordinating  on  matters  of  mutual  interest  in  external relations, and working with the Bailiwick of Guernsey to deliver common services to the benefit of the people of the Channel Islands;
4. Promote international cultural relations by building on Jersey's shared history and longstanding links around the world;
5. Sustain  a  strong  international  profile,  supported  by relevant international  agreements  and  by relationships  with  the international

diplomatic community, to enhance recognition of Jersey's commitment to international standards;

6. Engage  with  multilateral  institutions,  including  the European Union,  Council  of  Europe,  International  Monetary  Fund  (IMF),  World Trade Organisation (WTO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  (OECD)  and  the  Global  Forum  on  Transparency  and Exchange  of  Information  for  Tax  Purposes,  to contribute  to the development of international policy;
7. Participate actively in the British Irish Council;

(viii)  Promote Jersey's relationship with existing and emerging major

economies, and develop the Island's international reputation as a centre of excellence and an outstanding place to do business;

9. Implement UN sanctions and EU restrictive measures in support of international objectives to address activities or policies that threaten the international  rule  of  law,  human  rights,  respect  for  democratic principles or international peace and security, or to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorists and terrorist acts;
10. Assist in the identification, monitoring and reduction of external systemic risk to the Jersey economy;
11. Ensure that Jersey is prepared for external change that may affect the Island's  formal  relationship  with  the  United  Kingdom  and/or European Union;
12. Share  Jersey's  experience  as  a  well-run  small island  state  and international financial centre with other countries and seek to learn from the success of others;

(xiii)  Engage in poverty reduction and capacity building activities in

developing countries by supporting the work of the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, and through technical assistance;

14. Support the Law Officers' Department in the provision of Mutual Legal Assistance to other countries and in the lawful recovery and return and/or  sharing  of  forfeited  or  confiscated  assets,  where  reciprocal agreements exist;

15. Build on the current, active participation in the Commonwealth, through the Secretariat, Law Association, Parliamentary Association and other Commonwealth bodies;
16. Support the work of Members of the States Assembly with the Assemblée  Parlementaire  de la  Francophonie  and  the  British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

In accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance (Jersey) Law 2005, expenditure for the Ministry of External Relations is encompassed within the Chief Minister's Department's budget.

The report summarises the readily identifiable budgets devoted broadly to the conduct of Jersey's external relations across government and government funded agencies.

To assist the reader, and by way of explanation, this report refers to 2014 full year spend only.

Note: the Offices of HE the Lieutenant Governor and the Bailiff also include some resources used to support the Island's external relations principally around their hosting of official visitors to the Island which have not been listed separately above.