Treasury Minister Allan Bell says his recent visit to the Labour Party conference exceeded his expectations.

Mr Bell was able to speak to some very senior party members, including the prime minister.

He believes such trips provide unique opportunities and a real chance to promote the Island's interests at the highest level

Mr Bell believes he got a fair hearing from most of those with whom he spoke and that the general impression of the Isle of Man's finance industry, from within the current Labour government, is improving.

He told Manx Radio:

"We had fruitful meetings on a number of issues and I think certainly the progress the Isle of Man has made has been widely acknowledged in terms of getting on the G20 'white list'.

"The automatic exchange of information commitment that we've made has been well received, and other actions that the Isle of Man has taken in other areas are being recognised.

"Whilst there are still some on going problems with the United Kingdom government, I think by and large the reception I had was generally positive."