'Build stronger business ties with Brittany'

Deputy Inder was in France on Friday for meetings with regional political leaders, including the Mayor of St Malo and the vice-president of the Regional Council of Brittany.

‘We had a very enthusiastic conversation on how we can build even stronger business links between Guernsey and Brittany, utilising the new Brittany Ferries schedule between Guernsey and St Malo,’ he said.

‘We all agreed to do all we can to enable our business to find opportunities to grow.’

Deputy Inder has invited the regional politicians back to Guernsey for a follow-up meeting later in the spring.

‘There are real opportunities here for Guernsey and Brittany,' he said.

'I hope it is one that our business bodies in the island can help their members seize with both hands.'

Deputy Inder also attended the formal naming of the new Brittany Ferries vessel MV Saint-Malo and met with other senior French national politicians, including ministers for the environment, transport and the regions.

‘The presence and engagement of senior national politicians at the naming demonstrated the importance of Brittany Ferries in the region, and nationally in France,’ he said.

‘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.

'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.’

He said that discussions with senior management and the chairman and board members of the ferry company also reinforced how committed Brittany Ferries was prepared to be for Guernsey.