The Monaco Economic Board has expanded its ties with two major French economic regions, signing a partnership agreement with Corsica and opening discussions on future cooperation with the Bordeaux Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The two initiatives took place over 17th and 18th September, bringing regional officials and business leaders to the Principality for meetings focused on tourism, retail, yachting, training and cross-border commercial opportunities.

New economic partnership with Corsica

The central development was the signing of a framework agreement between Monaco Economic Board President Michel Dotta and Gilles Simeoni, President of the Public Establishment of Commerce and Industry of Corsica, during the Monaco Business trade fair.

The partnership is intended to increase contact between companies in Monaco and Corsica, facilitate the exchange of expertise and develop cooperation in sectors shared by the two economies.

Initial areas identified for follow-up include tourism, yachting and professional training for the hospitality and events industries.

The two organisations also shared a stand at Monaco Business, allowing companies and visitors to make direct contact with representatives of Corsica’s economic network.

The agreement follows earlier partnerships established by the MEB through Monaco Business with organisations including the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, the Nice Côte d’Azur CCI, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Nice and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional CCI.

MEB representatives are expected to travel to Ajaccio before the end of the year to identify opportunities for a future economic mission.

Bordeaux delegation explores Monaco’s retail and tourism sectors

The previous day, a delegation from the Bordeaux Gironde CCI visited Monaco through an initiative organised with payment application Carlo, which operates in both the Principality and Bordeaux.

The visit focused on retail and tourism, with the two regions exchanging information about changing consumer habits, destination marketing and the challenges facing local businesses.

A forum at MonacoTech opened with a presentation of Monaco’s economy before two panel discussions moderated by MEB Executive Director Guillaume Rose.

Corinne Bertani, Vice-President of the National Council’s Finance and National Economy Committee, and Alexandre Pasta, President of the Union of Traders and Artisans of Monaco, discussed the diversity of Monaco’s retail sector and how businesses are adapting to evolving customer behaviour.

A second discussion brought together Guy Antognelli, Director of Monaco’s Tourism and Convention Authority, and Axel Hoppenot, a former Marketing and Sales Director at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and current French Foreign Trade Adviser.

The speakers examined Monaco’s international tourism profile, with particular attention paid to the Formula One Grand Prix and its role in promoting the Principality worldwide.

The Bordeaux delegation also presented the Gironde economy and its experience in building an internationally recognised destination around the Bordeaux name.

The programme concluded with a networking reception connecting members of the delegation with Monaco-based entrepreneurs already active in Gironde or considering opportunities in the region. The MEB is also planning a visit to Bordeaux before the end of 2026 to assess the potential for further business exchanges.

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Photo: Michel Dotta, President of the Monaco Economic Board, and Gilles Simeoni, President of the Public Establishment of Commerce and Industry of Corsica, sign a framework partnership agreement at Monaco Business. Also pictured, from left: Justin Highman, Deputy CEO of the MEB; Jean Dominici, First Vice-President of EPCI Corsica; Guillaume Rose, Executive Director of the MEB; Maurice Cohen, President of Monaco Communication; Lionel Beffre, Monaco’s Minister of the Interior; and Benoît Jourdan, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Marseille. Photo: EPCI Corsica/Charly Gallo