The GSD notes the Government’s announcement that it has opened an office in Hong Kong. They have claimed that the announcement raises many questions including whether a post was advertised for the representative of the office?

They go on to ask, ‘were there any other applicants? What remuneration and any other perks is the appointee receiving? Why is he described as a representative and a director? What is he expected to be a director of? What staff, if any, is he going to have? What experience and/or qualifications does the successful appointee have which will enable him to access the Chinese market?’

The Opposition calls on the Government to reveal whether any market research was carried out to decipher whether the office will allow it to showcase Gibraltar or ‘act as an effective stepping-stone to the Chinese market?’ They further question to running costs of the initiative.

The GSD adds that reports have suggested that ‘the Hong Kong office representative will also play a significant role in the London Office (possibly even heading it) and is expected to be handsomely remunerated for this’. The further call upon the Government to comment on this.