The economic development team from French port Boulogne sur Mer has traveled to meet with representatives from Scotland’s seafood sector as efforts continue to try and establish a frictionless transport route for products into Europe following Brexit.
Also on the trip were logistic specialists and seafood buyers. This was the third in a series of such visits.
Led by industry body Seafood Scotland, the five-strong delegation from Select Opale, Stef Transport Boulogne, Transport by Delanchy, and Capecure Boulogne sur Mer Port were given a tour of Peterhead fish market before attending a round-table event with industry, trade bodies and government to discuss the issues facing the sector in the event of a no deal Brexit and the support BSM officials can provide.
The delegates then traveled south to shipping and logistics company DFDS in Larkhall before ending the day at a reception at the French Consul General Residence in Edinburgh.
With Brexit negotiations and discussions ongoing, Seafood Scotland and the Scottish government are working together to ensure alternative options are made available to Scottish seafood businesses.
Boulogne, the largest fishing port in France, is the go-to port for a lot of Scotland’s seafood exports and the hope is that it can provide a fast-track route for the continued movement of these products to Europe regardless of the outcome of Brexit.
“Working with Scotland is a top priority for Boulogne Seafood Cluster which is the main gateway to E.U. markets for U.K. products,” Jean-Noel Calon from Capecure Boulogne sur Mer, who was part of the delegation, said. “The quality, sustainability and diversity of Scottish seafood is really appreciated by our consumers. We now need to work together in order to overcome the challenges ahead of us.”
Photo courtesy of Seafood Scotland
