• GDP: US$753 million (2004).
• 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 light-weight 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 Top Things To See & Do).

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