Strengthening the links with Australia

Thanks to this economic diplomacy mission, the Government of New Caledonia  aims to show its desire to establish  a long term, closer and more pragmatic cooperation with Australia. "the goal is to strengthen both the friendship and the existing trade links with Australia," summed-up Christopher Gygès.

Institutional Meetings

Leading a delegation composed of representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI), the export cluster NCT&I and the South Province, the Minister started participating in meetings as soon as he arrived  in Canberra on 2 March. During these meetings with representatives from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade , as well as with  Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Christophe Penot, Ambassador of France to Australia, concrete actions were discussed. For example, a reduction of customs duties on some Australian products exported to New Caledonia or  investment incentives through a tax agreement and future trade agreements . The goal is to increase trade and attract Australian investors.

Meeting with Andrew Gee, Minister assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment.

Economic Aspects

After visiting the Federal Capital, the New Caledonian delegation travelled to Sydney for a sequence more focused on economic exchanges. Meetings were notably held with tourism stakeholders to promote New Caledonia as a destination , as well as with representatives from the renewable energy sector. Other areas such as innovation and construction will also be included in future partnership agreements with our biggest neighbour.