French Guiana Travel Guide

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Statistics

• GDP: US$1.5 billion (2004).
• Main imports: Food (grains and processed meats), machinery and transport equipment, fuel and chemicals.
• Main exports: Shrimp, timber, gold, rum, rosewood essence and clothing.
• Main trade partners: France, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Italy and Switzerland.

Economy

French Guiana's economy is heavily dependent on that of France. Thanks to the French social security system and subsidies from Paris, the population enjoys one of the highest standards of living on the South American continent.

Besides the French Space Center at Kourou, fishing and forestry are the most important economic activities, occupying most of the workforce. Vegetables and rice are the principal crops, most of which are consumed domestically.

Exploitation of French Guiana’s mineral resources, which, in addition to timber from the country’s extensive forests, include gold, bauxite and kaolin, is steadily growing. Gold production continues to flourish, with actual production levels and sales suspected to be far higher than official estimates. Exploration expanded in the mid 1990s, following the construction of a major new road allowing access to the interior.

Development of the service sector, particularly tourism (and the promising field of ecotourism), had previously been hampered by poor infrastructure. The country’s other notable economic asset, acquired by virtue of its position close to the equator, is the European Space Agency’s satellite launch facility at Kourou. The French Space Center accounts for a quarter of GDP.

Business Etiquette

Lightweight suits are required. English will be understood by practically everyone, although a working knowledge of French may be of assistance. The best time to visit is August to November.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1230, 1500-1800. Hours are shorter on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Business Contacts

Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Guyane
BP 49, Hôtel Consulaire, place de l’Esplanade, 97321 Cayenne, French Guiana
Tel: 299 600.
Website: www.guyane.cci.fr