With the continuing uncertainty over Brexit, the island is looking to forge closer economic links with the 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

And the Manx government is hoping to open up new opportunities by becoming a strategic partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

The move, announced on Friday by Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, will build on existing business links with Commonwealth members such as South Africa, India, Singapore and Australia.

As a Crown Dependency, the Isle of Man cannot be a member of the Commonwealth in its own right.

The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council brings government heads and business leaders together to promote trade and investment across the Commonwealth, which comprises 53 member states with a combined population of 2.4 billion.

It is also responsible for the Commonwealth Business Forum, a key part of the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Summits, which will next be held in London in April next year.

As a strategic partner, the Isle of Man will be represented on the organisation’s Advisory Board by the Chief Minister.

He said: ’Building economic connections with the Commonwealth makes sense for the island.

’Looking ahead to a world beyond Brexit, the Commonwealth offers a global network of markets and opportunities that the Isle of Man is particularly well placed to support.’

Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, said:

’It is a great testament to the Isle of Man’s government that they see the fantastic opportunity within the Commonwealth for trade and business.’