A DELEGATION of six French senators arrived in Nouméa on Friday for a week-long mission focused on economic development in New Caledonia.
The delegation includes two Caledonian senators: Georges Naturel of the Republicans (LR) and Robert Xowie of the FLNKS. They were welcomed by the customary Senate shortly after their arrival.
The mission will specifically examine development issues, not the territory’s institutional future. “We do not want to mix current political discussions with the focus of our study,” said delegation president Micheline Jacques, a senator from Saint-Barthélemy.
Jacques said the group is looking at “sectors of the future” for overseas territories. “Often our territories are seen as problems and “Everything comes from France even though we have local resources across the region,” Jacques said. “It would be interesting to promote them.’’ Jacques said. “It would be interesting to promote it.”
The delegation has previously submitted reports on the Indian Ocean (2024) and the Atlantic Ocean (2025). This year’s Oceania mission aims to better connect overseas economies with regional opportunities.
The senators met Friday with Congress, the mayor of Nouméa, and the high commissioner. They plan to travel to Wallis over the weekend.
After returning, they will meet with the interministerial mission for New Caledonia to discuss the economic and social aspects of the refoundation pact. Other meetings are scheduled with business groups including Medef, FEINC, CPME, SLN, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the university, and the Research Institute.
While institutional discussions are not the main purpose, political exchanges are still planned. Early next week, the delegation will meet with UNI, Caledonia Together, Ocean Awakening, loyalist groups, and a separate FLNKS delegation.
The mission will conclude with a meeting with the president of the government, a visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Center, a dinner with armed forces representatives, and talks with the Ambassador for the Pacific and the High Commissioner.
Source: franceinfo.fr
