Meeting held to strengthen Guernsey-Brittany ties

News imageBBC Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller has short brown hair and is wearing a light blue top.BBC
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller welcomed the delegation from Saint-Malo

A meeting has been held to strengthen Guernsey's ties with the French region of Brittany.

The Committee for Economic Development and the island's Chamber of Commerce have met with representatives from the city of Saint-Malo for a business networking event.

It brought together groups from both Guernsey and Brittany in the hope there would be increased collaboration and knowledge sharing across the Channel, organisers said.

Economic Development President Sasha Kazantseva-Miller emphasised the importance of strengthening economic ties, a goal described as being a key priority in its 2026-2029 Work Plan.

Caroline Spink, Guernsey's international trade advisor for economic development, said: "The committee is committed to creating opportunities for Guernsey businesses to build stronger commercial links with our nearest neighbours.

"This event forms part of a wider programme of engagement with French regional authorities and business communities, helping to foster new partnerships, increase trade opportunities, and deliver mutual economic benefit on both sides of the Channel."

Benedicte Vivien, from CCI Ille-et-Vilaine Saint-Malo, the city's own chamber of commerce, said the discussions showed "a strong foundation" for future co-operation.

She said: "The feedback from our members has been highly positive, with several promising opportunities identified and follow-up work already under way.

"Building on the success of this inaugural visit, participants hope to organise a further business mission in 2027 to strengthen the growing partnership between Guernsey and the Saint-Malo region."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.