• GDP: US$9.7 billion (2006 estimate).
• Main imports: Food, fuel, vehicles, consumer goods and construction materials.
• Main exports: Bananas, sugar and rum.
• Main trade partners: France, Germany, USA, Japan and Netherlands Antilles.

Guadeloupe's economy depends on agriculture, light industry and tourism. Bananas and sugar are the main export commodities, accounting for over one-third of total foreign earnings. Coffee, cocoa and vanilla are the other important cash crops.

Tourism is also becoming increasingly important, especially ecotourism and there is a growing number of cruise ship visitors.

The islands have been seriously suffering because of the strength of the Euro and the economic downturn, which led to serious riots in January and February 2009.

Unemployment hit 23% in 2007 (compared with 6.5% in France) and Guadeloupe remains heavily dependent on France, which supplies most of the island's imports and takes three-quarters of its exports. In February, France announced a $730 million financial aid package to be shared between all of its Overseas Territories.

Lightweight suits are recommended for business meetings. Best times to visit are January to March and June to September. Much of the island’s business is connected to France.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800.

Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Pointe-à-Pitre
Rue Félix Eboué, 97110 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
Tel: (590) 937 600.
Website: www.pointe-a-pitre.cci.fr  

Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Basse-Terre
6 Rue Victor Hugues, 97100 Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe
Tel: (590) 994 444.
Website: www.basseterre.cci.fr