Guernsey’s Chamber of Commerce and the Committee for Economic Development hosted a networking event with St Malo’s Chamber of Commerce and industry with the aim of strengthening commercial ties with Brittany.
Businesses from both sides of the Channel met to explore collaboration and two-way trade, with some looking to enter new markets, attract investment or form partnerships.
Discussions highlighted Guernsey as an attractive and often overlooked market for French firms looking to expand.
Benedicte Vivien, from the St Malo chamber, said the visit had established a strong foundation for future business and institutional cooperation.
‘The feedback from our members has been highly positive, with several promising opportunities identified and follow-up work already under way.’
She said participants hoped to organise a further business mission in 2027, building on the ‘success of this inaugural visit’.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, president of Economic Development, welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of strengthening economic ties with neighbouring French regions.
‘France has long been an important trading partner for Guernsey, and strengthening those relationships is a key priority within the Committee for Economic Development’s 2026-2029 work plan,’ said Caroline Spink, the committee’s international trade adviser.
Ms Spink said the event was part of a wider programme of engagement with French regional authorities and business communities, alongside efforts to improve connectivity.
Deputy Kazantseva-Miller has also spoken enthusiastically about the new connection with Cherbourg through Brittany Ferries.
She said it would strengthen the longer-term resilience and sustainability of the island’s lifeline route to France, help to control freight costs and would bring forward investment into fleet renewal.
‘Better use of the island’s spare capacity should help keep costs further down, while a seventh weekly rotation means daily freight, strengthening our supply chain and helping retailers reduce food waste and improve shelf life,’ she said.
‘Cherbourg also connects our hauliers into Brittany Ferries’ wider European network, including Ireland, and through its rail service to Bayonne, opens up south-west France, Spain, and Portugal.
‘We are already in discussions with French supermarkets, and the route may also provide an export channel for Guernsey seafood such as octopus and other produce. Improved connectivity with France is central to our trade priority.
‘The proposed Cherbourg route should be seen in that context, strengthening supply chain resilience and opening up opportunities around fresh produce and construction materials in particular.’
She said that more than 10 trade missions had taken place with Normandy, facilitating exchange meetings with French and Guernsey businesses.
The States subsidy on Aurigny’s Paris route is due to come to an end in March, and it is understood that the airline will continue the route in the summer season.
Economic Development said that it had grown ‘healthily’, with more than 24,000 passenger movements, a quarter of which were from continental Europe, since the route started in April 2024.
You need to be logged in to comment.