Economy chief in talks to build trade with France

Guernsey's economy chief has met with French politicians to discuss ways of increasing trade opportunities.

Deputy Neil Inder, president of economic development, met with representatives of St Malo's local government and tourism body on Friday.

He also attended the naming of the new Brittany Ferries vessel, MV Saint-Malo, and met senior French national politicians.

The States of Guernsey said discussions were continuing with Jersey and the three ferry providers on additional inter-island services.

In St Malo, Inder met Anne Gallo, vice-president of the Regional Council of Brittany, Mayor of St Malo Gilles Lurton, Deputy Mayor of St Malo Jean-Virgile Crance, and Dominique de la Portbarre, president of St Malo Tourism.

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 St Malo."

Inder also met Minister for the Environment Agnes Pannier-Runacher, Minister for Transport Philippe Tabarot and Francoise Gatel, the regions minister.

He said: "Each of them was aware of Guernsey's decision to strengthen its links to France through Brittany Ferries.

"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 added.

Inder added he was due to meet Loig Chesnais Girard, president of the Brittany region, later this week to discuss stronger business links.

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