Manuel Valls, the French Minister for Overseas Territories, met with economic stakeholders in Guadeloupe at the CWTC in Jarry, Baie-Mahault, for a discussion on the high cost of living. Representatives from the construction sector, UDE-MEDEF, and consumer groups voiced their concerns. While Valls made no specific commitments, he expressed openness to reforming the 'Octroi de Mer' tax as a potential solution. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES