St Lucia Travel Guide - Business

• GDP: US$825.2 million (2005).
• 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.

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 privatisation 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 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

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.

A number of hotels offer conference and back-up facilities, with seating for up to 200 persons. The St Lucia Tourist Board can provide details (see Contact Addresses).

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