St. Lucia Travel Guide

St. Lucia — Business

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Statistics

•GDP: US$1.179 billion (2006).
• Main imports: Food, fuel, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment.
•Main exports: Bananas, cocoa, vegetables, fruit, other agricultural products, oils and fats and manufactured goods.
•Main trade partners: Barbados, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, UK and USA.

Economy

St Lucia’s economy still relies heavily on agriculture but has broadened during the last 15 years. Light industry has been a key part of this process: the establishment of export processing zones and the successful attraction of foreign investment has created a healthy sector producing plastic, textiles and industrial gases and assembling electronic components. There is also a significant construction industry. The main agricultural exports are bananas, coconuts and cocoa.

The government is focusing its efforts on further diversification, principally directed towards the creation of a service sector based on tourism and financial services. It has also affected various deregulation measures and privatization of a number of major state-owned enterprises.

St Lucia is a member of the regional trading bloc, CARICOM, and the region’s principal political co-operative grouping, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

Business Etiquette

Short- or long-sleeved shirt and tie or a lightweight suit are suitable for most business visits.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630, Sat 0830-1230.

Business Contacts

St Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
PO Box 482, Vide Bouteille, Castries, St Lucia
Tel: 452 3165 or 453 1540.
Website: www.stluciachamber.org

Solar Tours and Travel (Information on Conferences/Conventions)
20 Bridge Street, PO Box 1519, Castries, St Lucia
Tel: 452 5898.
Website: www.solartoursandtravel.com