MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' forum “Opportunities for the future” next April

Queen Elizabeth II Conference Center

The Falkland Islands Government is hosting a one day Forum, entitled 'Opportunities for the Future', in London on 18 April 2007 to raise awareness of the Islands and its promising commercial growth and investment prospects, particularly in the areas of oil and mineral exploration, fisheries, agriculture and tourism.

In recent years, the Falkland Islands have enjoyed remarkable growth and economic development and become one of the United Kingdom's most dynamic and progressive Overseas Territories. Transport links, both internally and externally, have been transformed and the private sector has flourished. The Forum aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to today's modern, self-sufficient Islands and its achievements in the 25 years since the Falkland Islands Conflict in 1982. It is open to business representatives, politicians, media, academics and students. The programme will include interactive plenary sessions on the Islands' economic, social and political developments and in depth industry focuses on fishing, aquaculture, oil and mineral exploration, tourism and agriculture. A separate session on investment opportunities will also be held. Falkland Islands Councillors, the Government's Chief Executive and the Heads of Departments for Fisheries, Mineral Exploration, Agriculture and Tourism will be participating in the event. Newsreader, Nicholas Owen will chair the Forum. It will provide an unrivalled opportunity to network with senior Falkland Islands Government representatives and business people. Over 200 delegates are expected to attend the event, which will be followed by a reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Sir Nicholas Winterton MP, Chair of the Falkland Islands All Party Parliamentary Group. Chris Simpkins, Chief Executive, Falkland Islands Government says: "The Forum will demonstrate the huge strides towards economic self-sufficiency that the Islands have made in recent years. We invite you to update yourself on our thriving community and assist in shaping our future growth for the next 25 years." The Forum is being held on Wednesday 18 April 2007 at the QEII Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE, from 0900hrs to 1730hrs. The first Falkland Islands Forum was held in 2000 and was attended by 150 delegates.