John Culatto
Invitations to speak at Chinese events could help Gibraltar ‘benefit from stronger commercial ties with China, according to its minister for digital and financial services.
Minister Albert Isola took part in the Free Trade Zone Global Digital Economic Cooperation Forum on the Chinese island of Hainan.
A free digital port is being established on the island to help create new companies in the digital economy using blockchain technology.
“This forum gives expression to the strong spirit of collaboration that is central to sustaining blockchain development globally, as well as China’s increased engagement with the international DLT community,” said Isola.
“Gibraltar’s representation here in Hainan underlines our commitment to the pursuit of regulatory advances, mutually beneficial business cooperation, and investment opportunities.”
One of the areas being examined is the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, which is investing up to $8 trillion on infrastructure projects around the world.
Linking up
Last month, Isola attended the 15th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention that attracted 3,000 of their top businesspeople to London.
The minister hopes to make the most of the UK-Gibraltar common market agreement to become a gateway for Chinese businesses into the mainly Britain.
“I firmly believe that there are significant opportunities for Gibraltar to facilitate and benefit from stronger commercial ties with China,” said Isola.
“One of the goals of our Government is to secure more investment from Chinese entrepreneurs in Gibraltar, particularly in our digital economy.
“We can then channel some of the future investment from China into the UK via Gibraltar.”
