Saint Lucia Industry contributes 15% towards the national GDP. Industry in Saint Lucia employs 24.7% of the total labor force. The main industries in Saint Lucia comprise beverages, clothing, corrugated cardboard box manufacturing, coconut processing, electronic components assembly, and lime processing. Tourism after 1970 has developed to become an important industrial activity of Saint Lucia.
The manufacturing sector in Saint Lucia is aided by the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative. The Saint Lucia government has set up a free industrial zone near Vieux Fort on the southern tip of the island. In the capital city of Castries a cruise ship complex was set up in 1987.
A few of the renowned Saint Lucia industries are:
- Banana industry – The banana industry in Saint Lucia is the most dominant industry. A substantial portion of the total banana produce is exported to France, United States and United Kingdom. Banana exports account for 41% of total export earnings of the economy.
- Coconut Processing – Coconut processing is another important industry. Coconut is processed for manufacturing oil which is an exportable item. The coir is modified to make copra which is used for making ropes and mattresses.
- Lime Processing – Citrus fruits are grown in abundance in the island of Saint Lucia. Lime, a citrus fruit is processed for making juice which is used as a refreshing drink.
- Beverage production – Saint Lucia is famous for producing Caribbean rum. Rum is produced from the choicest sugar canes. Caribbean rum is famous globally.
For the development of marine vessel industries Marine Industries Association of Saint. Lucia in Castries, was formed in 2003. Tourism has emerged as the premier industry in Saint Lucia. American and European companies are investing substantially in promoting tourism industry in this Caribbean island.
The future of
Saint Lucia industry is exceedingly bright. The emergence of banks and real estate agents testify this boom.
