Premier shares glowing report of Asia-Pacific excursion

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has hailed his recent Asia-Pacific trade mission as a success, reporting strengthened financial ties and educational opportunities for the BVI. 

The seven-day mission included key meetings in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Malaysia to solidify BVI’s standing in its largest financial services market.

“We successfully achieved each of our goals over the course of the seven-day visit,” Dr Wheatley stated, adding that the mission laid the groundwork for long-term benefits. “The territory will benefit as we follow up on the opportunities afforded us by engaging in person,” he asserted.

Reaffirming commitment to China

In Hong Kong, Dr Wheatley led discussions with top corporate service providers and law firms representing the largest share of BVI company incorporations. “I outlined the general long-term vision for the future of BVI’s financial services industry and reinforced our commitment to the Chinese market for the longer term,” he explained. 

The Premier also addressed concerns about recent negative media coverage by conducting interviews with the South China Morning Post and the Asia Business Law Journal. “Those interviews went considerably well, and the image of the territory remains pristine in our largest market,” Wheatley asserted. 

Wheatley highlighted the BVI’s economic impact in Shenzhen, revealing that approximately 2,000 Shenzhen businesses held BVI business companies as of January 2025, representing a combined value of $10 billion. “Our business in China remains strong as BVI continues to be the PRC’s largest foreign direct investment partner after Hong Kong,” he stated. 

Expanding into Southeast Asia 

The mission’s highlight was the visit to Malaysia, which looked to expand BVI’s financial services into Southeast Asia. “We sought to extend BVI’s financial services footprint into Southeast Asia, the fastest modernising and developing region in Asia and the world,” Dr Wheatley said. 

He held high-level meetings with Malaysia’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and financial services regulators.

“I believe that over the next year, we can have formal agreements in place that formalise our cooperation,” Dr Wheatley projected. 

The Premier expressed optimism about Malaysia becoming the region’s new gateway for BVI business. “Malaysia and its financial centre Labuan are a natural partner more closely aligned with BVI business model and interests,” he explained. 

Strengthening educational ties 

The trade mission also focused on education, with Dr Wheatley visiting BVI students studying in Macau under the Asia Abroad Programme. “We are seeking to increase the number of scholarship opportunities available over the next few years,” he announced. 

The delegation included Dr Connie George, Director of the Public Service Learning Institute, who explored partnerships with universities to expand scholarship opportunities and internships.

“Our discussion centred on how greater cooperation between the universities and our government can be achieved,” Dr Wheatley noted.