A delegation from the States of Guernsey are in France this week, attending the Forum Economique Breton in St Malo along with a number of other appointments.
The ministerial and business meetings with ‘key figures’ from the French Brittany Region have been arranged to capitalise on the increased interest in Guernsey from France following the introduction of new ferry timetables earlier this year which have led to rising visitor numbers.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of the Committee for Economic Development, is leading the delegation.
“Building stronger links with Brittany, and in turn France as a whole, holds so many opportunities for Guernsey both economically and more broadly,” she said.
“The success of the Brittany Ferries contract since its launch has started to demonstrate this, with an additional 38,522 passengers travelling to the island by ferry this summer compared to last, and the vast majority of those being from France. As a Committee, we are particularly keen to increase trade between our regions, whether it’s food and drink, construction and tourism.
“On that basis, the Forum being held next week is a meeting I did not want to miss and is the first time Guernsey will be attending this important regional event. I am looking forward to meeting a number of key figures from Brittany, and seeing how we can develop our relationships further and exploring new potential mutual opportunities in the St Malo and wider Brittany region.”
The latest visitor statistics show that the new Brittany Ferries service to and from St Malo led to a 59.2% increase in passenger numbers this summer compared to 2024.
Deputy Kazantseva-Miller is planning to hold meetings with Brittany Ferries while she’s in France, having confirmed that her committee is prioritising building links with Brittany and France.
She will also be visiting the Port of St Malo, to meet with the Port Authorities and the commercial operators of the Port (Edeis), which is undergoing a €150m redevelopment project while she is in France. The project will replace the aging Gare du Naye ferry terminal with a new two-storey building capable of handling 750,000 passengers a year, and will see upgraded facilities and improved access for ships.
Other planned engagements include meetings with the St Malo French Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and representatives from the St Malo and Baie du Mont- Saint-Michel Tourism.
The delegation will also attend the FEB tomorrow and on Thursday to meet with a wide range of delegates and exhibitors, and also to talk about Guernsey.
Deputy Kazantseva- Miller will also meet with the President and Vice-President of the Regional Council of Brittany and with key figures from Brittany Ferries.
The latter of these engagements will include visiting some key parts of the wider Brittany Ferries organisational family.