The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Industry, Consumer Affairs and Investments recognizes the important role commercial information plays in enhancing trade nationally, regionally and internationally and more specifically in the development of any export promotion programme.

In this respect, the Ministry houses a Commercial Information Centre, which serves as a "one stop" commerce and investment information centre providing up-to-date business, investment and trade related information for businessmen and other commercial information users.

Objectives of this section

To develop and provide quality information, products and services, which include on-line dissemination, market advisory and market intelligence pro-active services, which can satisfy private and public sector

Functions of this section

• Provide clients with quality information;
• Provide linkages with Public Sector agencies so as to have up-to-date information;
• Provide a referral service to respond to queries and requests for information;
• Maintain close collaboration with overseas missions and trade commissions;
• Provide the public with information on areas dealing with Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs;
• Obtain information from the various departments of the Ministry for storage in the relevant databases;
• Update databases on existing manufacturers and new investors;
• Link with national, regional and extra regional agencies in obtaining information for wider use;
• Maintain suggestion boxes for all users of the Information Centre to provide the centre with guidelines and useful tips in offering its users a better service.

Services provided by this section

• Currently, the Commercial Information Centre provides the following services:
• Online access to an extensive range of up-to-date information;
• Internet service;
• Assistance to businessmen, exporters, manufacturers and other departments in accessing trade related information;
• Facilitation of easy access to and retrieval of information on technological developments;
• Up-to-date information relating to Commerce and Industry on export promotion activities to the local businessmen and manufacturers;
• Database of names and addresses of manufacturers, importers, exporters and trade agencies in various countries;
• A comprehensive range of investment and business related information customized to suit the diversified ad individual needs of the St. Lucian businessman.