Jun 21 - Cross Frontier Group And Mancomunidad Strengthen Ties To Promote Job Creation

Members of the Cross-Frontier Group (CFG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mancomunidad of the Campo de Gibraltar.

The Memorandum agrees to strengthen cooperation between the two organisations and to promote economic growth, job creation and generate wealth for the communities on both sides of the frontier. It follows the signing of a similar MoU by the CFG and the Government of Gibraltar a few weeks ago.

The Cross-Frontier Group is made up of the main employer and employee organisations in Gibraltar and in the Campo de Gibraltar.

The Memorandum reflects the commitment of cooperation and collaboration among CFG members and the importance of maintaining a fluid border. This is critical to facilitate the region’s economic development and this in turn will generate sustainable job opportunities in the future.

The President of the Mancomunidad, Sr Luis Angel Fernández said that the signing of this Memorandum of cooperation and collaboration reflects the willingness of both organisations to ensure that people who work in Gibraltar do not have difficulties in crossing the frontier.

Sr Fernández said: "We defend border fluidity as a key element for the continued economic development of the Campo de Gibraltar and also of Gibraltar."

Sr Fernández also indicated that the meeting considered other projects of possible cooperation in the future. If pursued, these might lead to mutual collaboration for the achievement of a common and viable development of the Campo region and Gibraltar to promote good cross-border relations.

Sr Fernández indicated that "future meetings with the Cross-Frontier Group will depend on the projects that are proposed but all possibilities will be explored and considered.”

Manuel Triano, current President of the Cross-Frontier Group, indicated that today’s agreement has been to focus on aspects of economic cooperation and collaboration but went on to say that the CFG wanted to highlight the importance of social, economic or cultural cooperation on both sides of the border.

George Dyke, Director of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce echoed the sentiments of his Spanish counterparts added: “Frontier fluidity is critical to maintaining economic growth in the Campo as well as in Gibraltar, not only for workers but for businesses supplying goods and services between the two communities.”

The Cross-Frontier Group recognises that the Mancomunidad "understands the needs of the Campo region and is thus the ideal interlocutor which the Cross-Frontier Group wants to work with in the future".