Premier Makes Business Pitch In India

The Virgin Islands has begun its push to attract new business from India, with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley positioning the Territory as a strategic partner for Indian companies seeking global expansion.

Premier Wheatley delivered the keynote address at the first of four financial services roadshows, held in New Delhi, as part of the Territory’s inaugural trade mission to India.

According to the Premier's office, the delegation also met India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, for discussions on strengthening cooperation between the two jurisdictions.

Sitharaman, who oversees India’s finance, taxation and economic policies, reiterated India’s openness to working with the Virgin Islands.

Premier Wheatley and Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Lorna Smith were accompanied at the meeting by Director of the BVI Hong Kong Office Dr. Ricardo Wheatley and Associate Director Siobhan Flax.

Following the discussions, Premier Wheatley presented Sitharaman with a map of the Virgin Islands and a collection of books written by Virgin Islands authors or about the Territory.

The August 24 to 31 mission will also take the public-private delegation to GIFT City, Mumbai and Bengaluru for regulatory discussions, business meetings and roadshows aimed at generating new opportunities for the BVI financial services industry.