Better connecting overseas France

Comprising 11 overseas territories, ‘Oceanic France’ sees its relations too often limited to those with ‘Hexagonal France’. National and European standards, and economic trade models centred on mainland France and Europe, have major social and environmental consequences for these territories: an ecological footprint and the cost of air and sea transport, high living costs and limited purchasing power for their inhabitants, etc. 

Connections are there to bring people together: digital technology makes it easier to communicate across the globe; maritime transport enables goods to be traded around the world; and air links are necessary for people to travel long distances. 

In this respect, the overseas territories have exceptional assets: high-quality port, air and digital infrastructures in line with their needs, but also in comparison with international standards and neighbouring territories. 

For the French Overseas Territories, these infrastructures represent a potential that must be exploited in order to promote their economic and social development, to enable their inhabitants to benefit from affordable fares, and also to achieve the objectives necessary to successfully complete the ecological transition, such as the carbon neutrality of maritime transport by 2050. These connections can also strengthen the links between the overseas territories and the nation, through access to public services, republican equality and solidarity, and facilitate their emancipation by promoting their inclusion in their regional space.