Despite the World Bank’s temporary suspension of its Ease of Doing Business rankings, Saint Lucia has intensified efforts to eliminate barriers hindering its economic attractiveness. In a strategic governmental reshuffle last December, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre expanded Dr. Ernest Hilaire’s portfolio to include Commerce alongside his existing Tourism and Investment responsibilities, creating synergistic opportunities between these critical sectors.
Historical data reveals Saint Lucia’s fluctuating performance in business climate assessments, with rankings oscillating between 34.00 (2008) and 93.00 (2018), averaging 67.25 from 2008-2019. Currently positioned 8th among 32 Americas nations in the 2025 Economic Freedom Index, the island maintains recognition for its relatively stable business environment within the Caribbean region.
This week, Minister Hilaire initiated a series of focused engagements with business associations, accompanied by senior administrative and technical officers. These exploratory meetings aim to facilitate open dialogue addressing contemporary challenges, emerging opportunities, and potential pitfalls in the evolving global trading landscape.
The Ministry’s statement emphasized Hilaire’s commitment to prioritizing business facilitation while cultivating an inclusive environment for local manufacturers and entrepreneurs. Following his January 19 announcement regarding stakeholder consultations, these discussions are expected to drive meaningful reforms informed by practical experiences and actionable solutions.
Anticipated outcomes include strengthened public-private partnerships, enhanced institutional support mechanisms, and improved competitiveness for Saint Lucia’s business sector. Minister Hilaire articulated his vision: ‘Positioning Saint Lucia globally remains a priority—we want worldwide recognition at the forefront of minds for travelers and investors alike.’