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BUSINESS ROUND UP
released in September by the Z/Yen Group, has seen Gibraltar climb six places to 55th place, since the previous index released in March.
Z/Yen Group’s latest index also places Gibraltar among the fifteen centres most likely to become more significant – meaning Gibraltar is viewed as an increasingly promising financial centre over the next few years. Besides Luxembourg, Gibraltar is the only other European financial centre that appears in the list of future most significant centres.
This demonstrates that despite the short term concerns over Brexit, international business perceive Gibraltar’s economy and finance centre to be even stronger and more influential in the long term.
The GFCI ranks the leading financial centres around the world and is published twice a year, in March and September. It compares the competitiveness of eighty seven
financial centres by looking at attributes such as business environment (regulation, corruption, legal system), human capital, taxation, infrastructure, reputation and financial sector development.
Chief Minister hosts Gibraltar reception The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo MP, in October hosted the traditional Gibraltar reception at the Conservative Party Conference, which was held in Birmingham.
The reception was also attended by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond MP, who spent considerable time in discussion with Mr Picardo. Also in attendance was Robin Walker MP,
from the Department for Exiting the European Union, who spoke at the recent Westminster Hall Debate on Gibraltar.
Mr Picardo commented: “As is usual at the Conservative Party Conference, we had a huge attendance. The speech from Dr Liam Fox was fantastically supportive and clear on the issue of Sovereignty, and came with warm regards for Gibraltar from the British Prime Minister herself. The Chancellor was also able to make
time to attend and to convey his good wishes and his understanding of the issues Gibraltar faces.
Having been Foreign Secretary and having recently
visited Gibraltar, he is an important friend of Gibraltar at this difficult time. It was clear to me that Gibraltar was surrounded by good friends at the conference and that they are listening to our concerns.”
‘Think Pink Day’ and ‘Walk for Life’ In October, the Gibraltar branch of Cancer Research UK organised the traditional ‘Think Pink Day’ and ‘Walk for Life’ event, which is now in its sixteenth year. The Think Pink Day is an event in which people are encouraged to wear an item of pink clothing to raise awareness of breast cancer.
Over 900 people took part in the Walk for Life event and the organisers said they were ‘overwhelmed’ with the fantastic turnout, that raised £8,221 for the charity. The fun five kilometre event started at Casemates Square, then Main Street, Queensway, Europort Avenue and back to Casemates.
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