Economic Stakeholders Urge Action at New Caledonia Summit Amid Ongoing Crisis
Economic stakeholders are pressing for decisive political action at the New Caledonia summit to address the territory's economic crisis.
Key Points
- • Economic actors demand effective agreements to combat ongoing economic issues in New Caledonia.
- • The summit marks the first time economic stakeholders participated in political dialogue about the territory's future.
- • Concerns regarding the balance of representation between economic and political figures have been raised by union leaders.
- • There is a strong call for economic diversification and support for local industry, particularly agriculture.
In a pivotal summit held on July 5, 2025, in New Caledonia, economic stakeholders called on political leaders to devise a robust agreement to mitigate the territory's pressing economic issues linked to the aftermath of the 2024 riots. For the first time, this significant meeting included a diverse range of economic actors alongside traditional political discussions, underscoring the demand for a more inclusive approach.
President Emmanuel Macron convened the summit with a focus on recovery strategies for New Caledonia's troubled economy, particularly emphasizing local industry revitalization. David Guyenne, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of civil society's involvement, stating, "Finally, society is included! The economic and societal project is part of the solutions.”
The riots that erupted in May 2024 severely affected many local industries, especially the nickel sector, which was already strained. Elizabeth Rivière, president of the Chamber of Trades and Crafts, pointed to the precarious situation of many family-run small businesses, asserting, "Losing these companies means losing skills." The summit participants expressed a collective desire to address the urgent need for economic diversification, with a clear focus on boosting local agriculture and food production, which currently satisfies merely 20% of local consumption needs.
Jean-Christophe Niautou, president of the Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries, pushed for enhancement in the agricultural sector to bolster self-sufficiency, reinforcing the need for a strategic pivot.
Moreover, Alexis Falematagia, secretary general of the Union of Workers and Employees of New Caledonia, proposed that increasing public procurement related to large infrastructure projects could stimulate local job creation.
Despite the inclusion of economic representatives, some union leaders expressed concerns regarding the disproportionate representation during discussions, feeling overshadowed by political figures. However, they acknowledged the critical necessity of collaboration between economic and political spheres to forge a comprehensive agreement on New Caledonia's future.
As the summit progresses, there is an urgent call for concrete commitments from politicians to address the stagnation affecting the local economy. Mimsy Daly, president of Medef New Caledonia, encapsulated this sentiment by stating, "Now, we expect concrete results." The overarching sentiment among stakeholders is a strong desire for clear, decisive actions that will lead to stability and growth for the territory, as the path to reconstruction demands focused objectives and immediate efforts.