The law commission of the French Senate has praised New Caledonia's development in an assessment at the end of a week-long visit.
It found positive aspects in the decolonisation process now underway in line with the Noumea Accord.
One of its members says it is imperative that the independence vote be held by 2018 as it has been promised under the Accord signed by the French state.
The delegation has noted progress in terms of training, industrial development and urbanisation.
It has also recorded concerns about the high cost of living, unemployment and social housing.
