Country Guide
New Caledonia
Business

New Caledonia Business

• GDP: US$3.3 billion (2003).
• Main exports: Ferronickels, nickel ore and fish.
• Main imports: Machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals and food.
• Main trade partners: France, Japan, Singapore, Australia and Taiwan.

Economy

The mainstays of the country’s economy are mining, tourism and, to a lesser degree, agriculture and fishing. The agricultural sector produces cereals, fruit and vegetables, as well as copra and coffee for export. The fishing industry trawls primarily for shrimp and tuna, the bulk of which is sold to Japan.

A small light-industrial sector has grown up in the last two decades, producing building materials, furniture and processed foods, largely for domestic consumption. In the mining sector, New Caledonia is the world’s largest producer of nickel after Canada and the USA, and has about one-quarter of the world’s known deposits; this generates 90% of the country’s export revenue. There are also deposits of cobalt, iron, manganese, lead and zinc.

Tourism is the major service industry and remains the most dynamic sector in terms of economic development.

Subventions from France are essential to the territory’s economic wellbeing. And, by virtue of its link with France, New Caledonia is an Associate Member of the EU.

Business Etiquette

Appointments should be made. Businesspeople generally work long hours and take long lunch breaks, but business lunches are rare as most businesspeople go home at lunchtime. Prices should be quoted in Euros or French Pacific Francs. The best time to visit is May to October.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1130 and 1330-1730; Sat 0730-1130.

Conferences & Conventions

Conferences and conventions take place at major hotels such as Le Meridien, Park Hotel and Novotel Surf Nouméa, as well as at the Chamber of Commerce, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre and the South Pacific Commission, all situated in Nouméa.

Business Contacts

Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie
BP M3, 15 rue de Verdun, 98849 Nouméa Cédex, New Caledonia
Tel: 243 100.
Website: www.cci.nc
Going Out
|
Resorts & Excursions
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter
Advertisement

Travel Deals for New Caledonia

Advertising features

  • Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by 

  • Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for 

  • Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world 

  • Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is 

  • Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for 

  • Dominican Republic Family holidays The Dominican Republic has soared in popularity as a tropical hotspot for families seeking sun, sand and an affordable holiday in the Caribbean. The island's main attraction is magnificent golden sand 

Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement