Business Profile
Economy
French Guiana’s economy is heavily dependent on that of France. Most of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, principally forestry and fisheries. Vegetables and rice are the principal crops, most of which are consumed domestically. Exploitation of French Guiana’s mineral resources, which, in addition to timber from the country’s extensive forests, include gold, bauxite and kaolin, is steadily growing. Gold production continues to flourish, with actual production levels and sales suspected to be far higher than official estimates. Exploration activity expanded in the mid-1990s, following the construction of a major new road allowing access to the interior. Development of the service sector, particularly tourism (and the promising field of ecotourism), had previously been hampered by poor infrastructure. The country’s other notable economic asset, acquired by virtue of its position close to the equator, is the European Space Agency’s satellite launch facility at Kourou. French Guiana runs a huge trade deficit, with exports less than 10 per cent of imports. In common with most French Overseas Territories, French Guiana has a high unemployment level of about 22 per cent. Other than France, Guadeloupe and Martinique, the USA, Trinidad & Tobago and Italy are the country’s major trading partners.
Business
Lightweight suits are required. English will be understood by practically everyone, although a working knowledge of French may be of assistance. The best time to visit is August to November. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300, 1500-1800.
Commercial Information
The following organisation can offer advice: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Guyane, BP 49, Hôtel Consulaire, place de l’Esplanade, 97321 Cayenne (tel: 299 600; fax: 299 634 or 299 645; e-mail: contact@guyane.cci.fr; website: www.guyane.cci.fr).
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