Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has used another busy week of engagements to demonstrate Government’s commitment to developing the economy and raising the Island’s profile internationally. Mr Bell reaffirmed these as top priorities while addressing an Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce event, welcoming delegates at the KPMG e-Gaming Summit, and hosting a visit by His Excellency Dr Alexander Yakovenko, Russia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Chief Minister said: ‘The Isle of Man has a very positive story to tell and one of the best ways to convey our key messages is to get out there and meet people face-to-face. It has been a busy start to my term of office, and I am determined to deliver on the promises contained in my manifesto as quickly as possible. ‘The Isle of Man Government is increasingly representing its own interests in world affairs and remains fully committed to developing its political and diplomatic relations with other countries. Our policy of proactive engagement will help to promote a greater understanding of the Isle of Man and its positive contribution to the global economy. It is vital for our international reputation and future prosperity that our position on key issues is communicated fairly and accurately and I intend to play a very full part in that process.’ This week’s public appearances by the Chief Minister followed the previous week’s meeting with the South Korean Ambassador to the UK, and the delivery of keynote speeches at an IoM Fund Management Association luncheon in London and the annual Awards for Excellence ceremony. Mr Bell will seek to build on this momentum on Monday (November 28) when he meets leading politicians from the UK, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Jersey and Guernsey at the British-Irish Council Summit in Dublin. The Chief Minister will head a senior delegation from the Isle of Man Government to take part in high-level discussions on a range of topics including the economy, youth unemployment, and the misuse of drugs. On-Island, members of the local business community had an opportunity to pose questions to the Chief Minister, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK and Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK on Monday when they appeared as guests at an IoM Chamber of Commerce event. The three Ministers offered an assessment of where the Isle of Man stands today, and talked about how Government and the private sector could continue to work together to address the challenges that lie ahead. At Tuesday’s KPMG e-Gaming Summit, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of the sector in terms of its contribution to the wider Manx economy and the employment opportunities created for local people. He also acknowledged its positive impact in the community, with e-gaming companies providing support to sporting events, charities and voluntary organisations. The visit of Dr Yakovenko on Friday saw Mr Bell welcome an opportunity to further strengthen the Isle of Man’s relationship with Russia. He said: ‘Russia is an important power within the global economy and the Ambassador’s visit allowed us to explore matters of mutual significance, and also to provide a deeper understanding of the Island and what we have to offer.’ ENDS