• GDP: US$5.1 billion (2005).
• Main exports: Food, textiles, light industrial and electrical goods.
• Main imports: Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, mineral fuels and chemicals.
• Main trade partners: UK.

Although agriculture is still important as a source of employment and prestige (Jersey cows are renowned throughout the world) offshore banking and tourism are the mainstays of the economy: the former because of the island’s exemption from the UK tax system and the latter through continental influence and a benign climate.

In 2005, finance and banking accounted for half of the GDP and were largely responsible for Jersey’s 2006 unemployment rate of just 2.2%. New and highly regulated legislation designed to tighten up some of the less salubrious aspects of Jersey’s financial environment should serve to strengthen its reputation in an era when offshore finance is coming under growing political pressure through its implication in money-laundering. In the last few years, Jersey has signed up to several international initiatives designed to tackle the problem while improving financial transparency.

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly (suits are usual apart from Fridays when office workers generally ‘dress down’). Appointments should be made and the exchange of business cards is customary. A knowledge of English is essential.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900/0930-1700/1730.

Jersey plays host each year to a large number of conferences and has a variety of venues; the main period is from October to May.

Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Chamber House, 25 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey JE1 4HF, Channel Islands 
Tel: (01534) 724 536.
Website: www.jerseychamber.com

Jersey Conference Bureau
Liberation Square, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1BB, Channel Islands
Tel: (01534) 448 855.
Website: www.jerseyconferences.co.uk