World Country Guide

Business Profile

Economy
Sugar cane is the principal crop and export earner in this mainly agricultural economy. Other crops include vanilla, tobacco, and plants such as vtiver and ylang-ylang, used in tropical essences. Sugar and rum production are the principal industries; others include the manufacture of construction materials, metal goods, textiles and electronics. The service sector, including transport, telecommunications, finance and tourism, provides three-quarters of the country’s economic output. Tourism has grown particularly rapidly in recent years, and is now worth about US$300 million annually to the island’s economy. However, the Runion economy is far from self-sustaining and relies on large injections of aid from France and, more recently, the European Union, to cover its trade and budgetary deficits (as an integral part of France, Runion belongs to the EU). The most pressing problem for the Government is a very high level of unemployment, estimated at 40 per cent. Apart from France, Runion has important trading relations with Bahrain, Belgium, Italy, Japan and Luxembourg.

Business
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; suits will only be required for the most formal of meetings. A sound knowledge of the French language will be useful, since there are no formal interpreter services available. Prices should be quoted in Euros, and all trade literature should be in French. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1800.

Commercial Information
The following organisations can offer advice: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Runion, 5 bis rue de Paris, BP 120, 97463 Saint-Denis (tel: 942 000; fax: 942 290; e-mail: sg.dir@reunion.cci.fr; website: www.reunion.cci.fr); or Dlgation Rgionale au Commerce, l’Artisanat et au Tourisme, Prfecture de la Runion, Avenue de la Victoire, 97400 Saint-Denis (tel: 407 758; fax: 407 701).