States of Jersey to open London office

Jersey's government is planning to open an office in London to promote business links overseas.

The island's Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, said relations with the UK were more important than any other political relationship.

He told members of the finance industry that Jersey must be more robust in explaining its work to other countries.

And he said he thought more needed to be done to promote Jersey in Whitehall.

The senator has been tasked with leading Jersey's external affairs.

'Eye on Eurozone'

He said Jersey Finance had been promoting the industry in the Middle East, India and China for some time.

But a new office in London was hoped to strengthen links with the UK, Jersey's largest trading partner.

At the Jersey Finance annual lunch on Wednesday, chief executive Geoff Cook said Jersey would need to keep an eye on the Eurozone this year.

He said he expected a further slump there, before any recovery.

And he said with the background of more regulation of the global financial services industry, Jersey will have to fight harder to get business.