TWO ministers from the Isle of Man Government met key members of the UK Coalition Government when they attended the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Liverpool.
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK and Social Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK were at the event this week to promote awareness and understanding of the Island within the UK's main political parties.
They highlighted the Island's status as a well regulated international business centre and had informal discussions with ministers, peers and policy advisors with key roles in the Coalition Government, as well as with a variety of British business leaders.
Mr Bell and Mr Quayle also attended meetings considering such topics as the role of financial services, private capital and manufacturing in driving economic recovery, funding international aid and meeting the complex needs of young people.
They also attended the keynote address delivered by party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who outlined his plans for improving the UK economy.
Mr Bell said: "The Lib Dem conference allowed us to brief some of the UK's leading politicians on the Isle of Man's long-standing policy of positive engagement with international initiatives and standards.
"We also had the opportunity to make a number of worthwhile business contacts that we plan to follow-up. All in all we met with a very positive response.
"Tax issues were among the many items under discussion and we were able to reinforce the Island's position as a transparent and co-operative country that facilitates good business within a diversified economy."
Mr Quayle added: "Having attended last year's Lib Dem conference, it was a great opportunity to strengthen political relationships established then and to make new ones.
"The conference provided us with a valuable insight into the party's policies.
"This was the first major political conference since the formation of the Coalition Government, and it was important to represent the Island's interests and ensure that our key messages were heard by the right people."
