• GDP: US$3.5 billion (2004 estimate).
• Main imports: Foodstuff, fuel, vehicles, consumer goods and construction materials.
• Main exports: Bananas, sugar and rum.
• Main trade partners: France, Germany, Japan, Martinique, Netherlands Antilles and USA.

Guadeloupe’s economy is relatively diverse by regional standards – with agriculture, light industry and tourism as its main components – but remains heavily dependent on French aid and is vulnerable to the vagaries of the Caribbean climate. Bananas and sugar are the main export commodities, accounting for over one-third of total foreign earnings (although the banana trade is threatened by a World Trade Organization ruling preventing preferential access to European markets). Coffee, cocoa and vanilla are the other important cash crops. Industry is largely devoted to processing agricultural products and light manufactured goods such as boats. Tourism is a key and fast-growing sector; mainly ecotourism and a growing market for cruise ship stopovers. France supplies most of the island’s imports and takes three-quarters of its exports.

Lightweight suits, safari suits, and shirt and tie 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, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
Tel: (590) 937 600.
Website: www.cci-pap.org

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