Trade Mission

Premier Dr. Orlando Smith has left the territory with other Virgin Islands government officials and financial services industry practitioners to participate in the two-week long 2016 BVI Asian Trade Mission, which began on Monday. The “mission,” sponsored by the Premier’s Office and BVI House Asia, is meant to expand the VI’s footprint in the Asia Pacific region.

During his visit, Dr. Smith will meet with officials of Hong Kong’s Government, as well as those of Tianjin’s government. He will also deliver keynote speeches at several engagements in China, Beijing, Tianjin, Hangzhou and Shanghai. In addition, the premier will headline the 2016 BusinessBVI Asia Annual Conference, which also has speakers such as BVI House Asia Director Elise Donovan, BVI Finance Interim Director Lorna Smith, BVI International Arbitration Centre Chairman John Beechey, and guest speakers from VI firms that have branches in Hong Kong and greater China. After the trade mission, Dr. Smith is scheduled to go to the United Kingdom from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5, where he will attend the annual Joint Ministerial Council Meeting and “other discussions.” Dr. Smith will return to the VI on Nov. 6. Until then, Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering will serve as acting premier.

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