Comoros Economy and Business

• GDP: US$394.4 million (2005).
• Main exports: Vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang (perfume oil) and copra.
• Main imports: Rice and petroleum products.
• Main trade partners: Exports to: France, USA, Singapore and Germany; Imports from: France, South Africa, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and China.

The bulk of the working population is employed in agriculture, which produces vanilla and cloves (the main exports), basil, ylang-ylang (an essence extracted from trees) and copra. There is a small fishing industry and a minimal industrial base devoted mainly to processing vanilla.

The tourism industry has grown rapidly during the last 10 years to the extent that the service sector as a whole now accounts for almost 60% of total domestic output: chronic political instability on the islands has, however, probably prevented the industry from reaching its full potential. Moreover, the agricultural economy is vulnerable to low world commodity prices.

Substantial French aid remains essential. France is also the country’s major trading partner, providing almost half of the Comoros’ imports and taking two-thirds of its exports. China, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar are the other major importers into the islands.

Per capita income is estimated at US$720. The economy grew slowly at 1.3% in 2005.

Lightweight suit or shirt and tie required. Business is conducted in French or Arabic; English is seldom spoken.

Office hours: Mon-Thurs 0730-1430, Fri 0730-1130, Sat 0730-1200.

Chambre de Commerce, d’Industrie et d’Agriculture
BP 763, Moroni, Comoros
Tel: 730 958.
E-mail: pride@snpt.km