Stephen Rouxel
President, Chamber of Commerce
I was very pleased to attend the first trade delegation to a very sunny and welcoming St Malo for two days. Myself, Caroline Spink of Economic Development and Ian Le Moigne from Brittany Ferries were accompanied by Norman Piette, Rihoys and Crepe Maison.
Delegates were warmly welcomed by the CCI Saint-Malo and enjoyed the presentations made by the CCI President, M. Xavier Champs, the CCI Director, Christophe Seby and the Trade & Tourism Officer, Benedicte Vivien. This was followed by a presentation from Suliak Aubin of the Port, Ian Le Moigne of Brittany Ferries and Xavier Huarez, MD of Morvan Fils. I then, rather adventurously (for someone who, in his early years, was never an excellent French speaker at best!) then passed on my thanks to the participants.
Following the presentations, we escorted the delegates went on a tour of the port facilities, and they visited the ‘hotdesk’ meeting rooms available to any Guernsey business wishing to meet with their French counterparts.
Lunch was hosted by the SOG at the Brasserie at the Hotel de France et de Chateaubriand (in the walled city), and this gave us all the chance to discuss ideas with the French team and ask any questions relating to the logistics of importing and exporting to and from the island.
In the afternoon, B2B meetings were held with potential suppliers, and these proved extremely interesting for the delegates, all of whom have stated their intention to follow up without delay.
On my second day, myself and members of the CCI visited cultural venues and artist representatives from St Malo. I intend to connect these venues and artists with venues and artists in Guernsey with a view to an exchange of music, art and ideas.
Guernsey as an island is a great exporter of culture, due to our many excellent dance, drama, singing and art schools and gallaries, with nationally and internationally known artists across the spectrum enjoying incredible success. This success will, I have not doubt, build bridges with St Malo and lead to further business success for the island.
The trip was an incredible success, and I am excited for the future collaboration with the CCI and our Gaelic neighbours.
