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Overseas

Thanks to its Overseas Regions and Collectivities (DOM-COM), France now has the second largest territorial waters in the world: the Overseas Regions and Collectivities give France 97% of the 11 million square kilometres of its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and provide it with a presence all around the world. Which other country can today boast of being an "empire on which the sun never sets"?

In 2009 the first Interministerial Overseas Council (CIOM) was held. A number of measures were adopted in relation to the sea, the natural extension of the DOM-COM and an essential resource for them. These measures are especially aimed at developing the maritime related economic activities already in existence and promoting the "seaward" approach to which the Overseas Ministry aspires.

The sea presents real opportunities for the Overseas Regions and Collectivities:

• energy resources (development hub for Marine Renewable Energy),
• biological resources (medicines, health, ...),
• food resources (fisheries resources),
• commercial resources (sea route stopover and distribution centre),
• tourism resources.

The French government has designated 2011 as the Year of the Overseas Territories, and the French President has stated that "all French people should take a greater interest in the Overseas Territories. So that by the end of 2011 each French man and woman may have a more realistic perception of our territories."

The French Maritime Cluster believes in the maritime development of the Overseas Territories and continues to act with local stakeholders to create "corresponding structures" commensurate with local needs. The first official clusters have been established in Guadeloupe (May 2011), La Reunion Island (September 2011), and French Guiana (May 2012). Other territories and communities plan to follow suit: Martinique, New- Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Association pour le Développement Industriel de La Réunion www.adir.info

Established on 9 June 1975, the ADIR (Association for the Industrial Development of La Reunion) promotes the development of industry on the island of La Reunion. This association has over 200 member companies from different sectors such as food processing, public works, equipment manufacture, chemistry and other industrial activities, which represent 2 billion euros of turnover and around 10,000 workers. ADIR plays an essential role in supporting industrial interests faced with Public and Administrative Authority regulations (local, national, and European).

ADIR proposes methods and technical services to its members to improve their industrial and economic performances in supply chain, freight, maintenance, waste treatment, recycling, energy control, financial engineering, public commissions and human resources. Its communication department has been producing a monthly 52 minute TV economic program for 13 years. ADIR is also member of the Maritime Cluster of La Reunion.

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