A summit meeting of the Overseas Territories and the UK government will focus on economic growth and job creation, the UK government said yesterday.

Premier Craig Cannonier and Senator Michael Fahy, the Minister for Home Affairs, yesterday arrived in London for the meeting, held by Overseas Territories Minister Mark Simmonds.

And the meeting, which starts today, will be followed — for the first time — by a business forum designed to promote investment opportunities in the UK’s Overseas Territories.

Mr Simmonds said: “Jobs and economic growth are fundamental to building safe, successful and sustainable territories.

“The year’s joint ministerial council will focus on agreeing practical steps for the UK and Overseas Territories to work together to achieve that goal.”

According to the UK Foreign Office, the meeting will concentrate on economic diversification, attracting investment, vocational education and jobs.

The FCO added: “There are also likely to be discussions on the environment, tax and transparency and the relationship between the Territories and the European Union.”

The FCO said the follow-up business forum, to be held on Thursday, would “bring together, for the first time, all the Overseas Territories with UK businesses and investors of all sizes to explore the numerous exciting investment opportunities available to the Territories.”

Mr Simmonds added: “I am delighted to welcome back the leaders from the Overseas Territories to the second joint ministerial council.

“We have achieved much by working in partnership towards our shared vision for the Territories as vibrant and flourishing communities in line with our 2012 white paper on the Territories.”

The council meeting will also discuss health, the environment, visas and passports and criminal justice issues.