Key Competitive Attractions
French Guiana is an overseas department of France. The economy is based primarily on forestry, fishing and gold mining. Forests cover 90% of the county’s territory. In addition, the French space centre of Kourou accounts for 25% of GDP.
Crops, primarily rice and manioc, are cultivated in the coastal area and bananas and sugar are grown in small quantities. Nonetheless, French Guiana is dependent on imports of food and energy. It has one of the highest GDP per capita rates in South America, but is dependent on Metropolitan France for subsidies and trade. Unemployment rates ranges between 20 to 30%.
One of the biggest potential growth sectors is tourism, in particular eco-tourism.
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
The Regional Agency for Economic Development (ARD) is responsible for implementing economic development strategies for the region.
