A development strategy between New Brunswick and France is being launched today as part of celebrations surrounding France’s national holiday.

With this new international strategy, the provincial government aims to strengthen its relations with France by implementing specific actions related to economic development and population growth in the province.

France is the European Union country to which New Brunswick exports the most products, and has had diplomatic representation in the province since 1964 in the form of a consulate general with an office in Moncton. The new strategy was developed in collaboration with the consulate.

Encompassing nine objectives, the New Brunswick–France Development Strategy establishes, among other things, key performance indicators to be achieved over the next five years in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, education and immigration; the recognition of credentials in priority professions; and the international promotion of Acadian artists. The implementation of each strategic action will be undertaken by the department responsible for achieving that particular objective.