The President of Economic Development was keen to nurture relationships between the Bailiwick, and nearby French cities.
Deputy Neil Inder, met with regional and national French politicians in Saint-Malo, at the naming of new Brittany Ferries vessel MV Saint-Malo.
The politician tasked with leading Guernsey’s economic development has been exploring stronger business ties with Brittany.
Deputy Neil Inder said he had the island’s new ferry schedule in mind when he held meetings last week, including discussions with Brittany and Saint-Malo officials, as well as French national ministers. They were focused on increasing trade, particularly Guernsey’s £980 million import market, and potential prospects in partnering with French suppliers he said.
“We had a very enthusiastic conversation on how we can build even stronger business links between Guernsey and Brittany, and utilising the new Brittany Ferries schedule between Guernsey and Saint-Malo. We all agreed to do all we can to enable our business to find opportunities to grow. I have invited them to Guernsey for a follow-up meeting in the next few weeks, and officers are considering how we can best showcase Brittany’s and Guernsey’s businesses to each other.
“I know that Guernsey can be an expensive place to build. We have met business representatives of Saint-Malo and Brittany and explored how Guernsey’s £980m goods imports can be enhanced by exploring partnerships with French suppliers. There are real opportunities here for Guernsey and Brittany, and I hope it is one that our business bodies in the Island can help their members seize with both hands.
“As a former board member of the Chamber of Commerce my long-held view is that the respective French and Guernsey Chambers should be looking to improve the business relationships with Guernsey and concentrating on developing those opportunities for the benefit of Islanders and competition.”
A number of meetings took place in St-Malo, including with Anne Gallo; Vice-President of the Regional Council of Brittany, Gilles Lurton; Mayor of Saint-Malo, Jean-Virgile Crance; the Deputy Mayor of Saint-Malo, and Dominique de la Portbarre; President of Saint-Malo Tourism.
Deputy Inder said his French counterparts recognised the importance of Brittany Ferries, highlighting Guernsey’s commitment to strengthening ties with France through the ferry service. He added that Brittany Ferries’ significant investment and commitment to Guernsey were also noted.
“The presence and engagement of senior national politicians at the naming demonstrated the importance of Brittany Ferries in the region and nationally in France. Each of them was aware of Guernsey’s decision to strengthen its links to France through Brittany Ferries, a number of them referencing it in their formal speeches too, and it struck me and others there that there was a real understanding of a new chapter in the partnership between Guernsey and the French regions.
“The investment that Brittany Ferries is making into its wider network and fleet of vessels is significant. Meeting their Chairman Jean-Marc Roue as well as Christophe Mathieu and his senior team demonstrated how ambitious the business is and also, most importantly, how committed it is to Guernsey following the outcome of last year’s tender process.”
The States said further meetings are planned to discuss enhanced business links and additional inter-island ferry services.