The Committee for Economic Development has published its Committee Work Plan for 2026–2029, setting out eight priority areas aimed at strengthening Guernsey’s economy, improving competitiveness and supporting long-term growth.
The plan focuses on the economic levers within the Committee’s mandate that can have the greatest impact across the economy and for households. It is structured around an 80:20 approach, with most of the Committee’s time and resources dedicated to these eight priority areas, while retaining flexibility to respond to emerging themes and new opportunities during the political term.
The priorities are:
improving air and sea connectivity, including reviewing the Air Policy Framework and Air Transport Licensing Policy, developing new air routes and enhancing inter-Bailiwick links.
increasing visitor numbers and visitor satisfaction through the Visitor Economy strategy, tourism product improvements and consideration of a visitor levy.
strengthening trade links with strategic markets, including France and the Commonwealth, and supporting the extension of international trade agreements such as CPTPP and the GCC.
delivering and implementing the Finance Sector Growth Strategy, supported by the Finance Sector Growth Forum.
accelerating digital adoption, AI and innovation through an updated Digital and AI Framework and an Innovation Plan.
completing the review of competition and regulation legislation and taking forward electricity regulation workstreams.
maximising the economic value of the Guernsey Registry and Aircraft Registry.
developing a new Economic Development Strategy to set a longer-term vision for growth, investment, skills, productivity and workforce participation.
The Committee undertook a round of consultation with business bodies, which helped inform the Work Plan and its priorities. It also outlines how the Committee will continue regular engagement with industry and business groups, as it highlights the importance of government and industry cooperation for the delivery of economic development actions
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of the Committee for Economic Development, said:
"Guernsey has strong economic foundations, but we are operating in an increasingly challenging demographic and global economic environment. Years of underinvestment in productive infrastructure have also constrained our ability to grow, and we cannot assume that past success alone will secure future prosperity.
“Our Work Plan sets out the Committee's priorities within its mandate, focusing on the areas where we believe we can make the greatest difference across the economy. It is largely industry-agnostic, with priorities including improving connectivity, strengthening tourism and trade, supporting the continued growth of our finance sector, accelerating digital adoption and innovation, ensuring proportionate regulation and developing a long-term Economic Strategy for the Bailiwick.
“Many of the drivers of economic success sit beyond the Committee's direct responsibilities, making a joined-up approach across government, industry and the community more important than ever. That is why developing a long-term Economic Strategy is one of our key priorities, providing a shared direction for sustainable growth across the Bailiwick.
“We also wanted to take the time to engage with industry before publishing the Work Plan, and the feedback we received has strengthened the final document. A consistent theme was the importance of measurable outcomes, and this will be a key theme as we progress the delivery of the workstreams under the eight priority areas."
Progress will be reported through annual updates to the Committee Work Plan, annual Committee statements to the States in March and September, and wider Government Work Plan reporting.
