Following a series of strategic engagements with a visiting five-member French delegation, the Government of Saint Lucia, through the Department of Commerce, is systematically advancing plans to strengthen trade, investment and cultural cooperation with the neighbouring island of Martinique. The cross-ministerial meetings drew senior administrative and technical officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and External Affairs, alongside key representatives from Export Saint Lucia.
Discussions focused largely on identifying practical opportunities for growth and export collaboration that would deliver measurable economic benefits for both territories. Due consideration was also given to market-readiness requirements, including product testing, packaging, transportation, traceability, certification, and compliance with international regulations and standards ahead of project implementation. These engagements reflect efforts to reexamine and further operationalize the existing CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, while prefacing a more structured framework for regional cooperation—after talks at the Trade and Development Committee level and a Memorandum of Understanding anticipated in early July.
Minister for Commerce, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, emphasized the importance of moving beyond the identification of trade barriers toward tangible implementation and results. “Let us focus on the low-hanging fruit and address critical issues such as the movement of goods, interoperability of systems, and reducing unnecessary obstacles to trade in a systematic way,” Dr. Hilaire said. He also underscored that Saint Lucia’s exports extend beyond traditional goods and services to include key components such as entertainment and events-based tourism. “As we strengthen commercial relations, we must also recognize the value and impact of the orange economy,” he added.
Head of the French Delegation and President of the Commission of Logistical Strategy of Martinique, Mrs. Sandra Casanova, expressed optimism about the feasibility of the proposed fifteen-product trade initiative. “More than trade, it’s a way to organize the value-added [imports] between Martinique and Saint Lucia. As you know, Martinique is joining CARICOM officially in July,” Mrs. Casanova said. “We believe the 15-product project is a concrete way to demonstrate how Martinique and Saint Lucia can work together and deepen integration within the context of CARICOM and the CARIFORUM-EU EPA to facilitate trade. I am very satisfied because the political will is there. We have the expertise and I believe we can do a great job together and become more integrated in the regional [space].”
Participants agreed on the need to deepen collaboration and establish clearer mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and long-term sustainability. Among the products identified for possible trade were yoghurt, cheese, wine, olive oil, beauty and cosmetic products. Opportunities linked to sea moss research and value-added production were also explored.
The Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to building strategic partnerships that enhance export competitiveness, reduce the national food import bill, create new market opportunities for local businesses, and strengthen the country’s position within the regional and international trading environment. The two-day visit concluded with a guided tour of the Saint Lucia Free Zone.