Event report  •  The Chamber

Looking back at FICC participation in Channel Hub meeting in Lille, France, on 12th February

On Wednesday 12th February Nicolas Destrez and Eoin Scott from the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce participated in a Channel Hub meeting organised in Lille by the Chamber of Commerce Hauts-de-France. They gave an overview of the Irish market and presented the vibrant franco-irish business community to more than 60 French companies.

Eric Albert, journalist and correspondent in London for Le Monde newspaper, presented the political and economic pulse of the UK just after its exit from the EU. A country heavily divided, even disunited, 3 years, 7 months and 8 days after the referendum on Brexit!

During the transition period (until 31st December 2020, unless an extension is requested), nothing changes and London continues to apply EU rules while no longer being in Europe's decision-making bodies. The United Kingdom has less than 11 months to negotiate its new relationship with the European Union: divergence or convergence with European rules? Singapore on the Thames?  Free trade agreement or no deal? Extension of the transition period? Many more questions about the year 2020. The Brexit soap opera is not over yet!!

A focus also on a small, dynamic country, the Republic of Ireland, with Nicolas Destrez from the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Eoin Scott, sales manager of an IT company in Dublin.

With the strongest growth in the Eurozone (4%), an unemployment rate of less than 5% and strong purchasing power, Ireland is full of opportunities for French companies in Tech, Energy and Infrastructure, Health (Pharma - Medtech) and Consumer Goods sectors.

With the uncertainties associated with Brexit, Ireland is increasingly looking to the continent, and France in particular, for its exports and imports.

Original article available in French: https://cci-international.net/fr/2020/02/13/retour-sur-la-reunion-du-channel-hub-du-12-fevrier/