St Helena is not just an extraordinary place to live and work, but it is probably at the most exciting and important period of its history for perhaps 150 years.

The airport will provide a significant opportunity for the island to begin to move to better economic sustainability and self-sufficiency. This will benefit the whole population of the island over time, and mean positive improvements in many aspects of island life.

The airport is just one part of the jigsaw however. In the coming months and years there are huge opportunities for people to create, develop and invest in businesses on St Helena.

We have identified tourism as our key economic driver, but there are many other areas that offer opportunity too. These include agriculture, fishing and a whole range of professional services.

As part of its contribution towards supporting economic development, St Helena Government has been working with the business community and stakeholders across the island to create an environment that is welcoming and in which it is easy and straightforward to do business. Led by our Elected Members of Council we have seen major reforms in our immigration, investment, land disposal, land development and tax regulations. These are set to continue as we move to making St Helena a really business-friendly destination.

I have little doubt that you will find St Helena a location where we are increasingly friendly and supportive towards businesses, and I know that St Helena is a location where you will certainly find the people friendly and welcoming. We hope that we can look forward to working with you in developing your business ideas and bringing them to St Helena.

His Excellency The Honourable Mark Capes, Governor of Saint Helena

... creating opportunity, enabling growth ...