• GDP: US$4.248 billion.
• Main exports: Diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee and tobacco.
• Main imports: Food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Main trade partners: Belgium, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, France, USA and Cameroon.

Agriculture, upon which most of the population depends, is concentrated on subsistence crops plus coffee, cotton and wood as cash crops for export. Livestock and tobacco are also exported. The main cash earner is timber, which has been heavily exploited with little government restriction. The country’s mining industry is largely devoted to diamonds; a small quantity of gold is also produced. Other deposits, including uranium, copper, manganese and iron ore, are yet to be exploited. The small manufacturing sector is devoted to the processing of primary products to produce food and drinks, wood products and textiles. The overall economic development of the Central African Republic has been limited by an adverse climate, poor infrastructure and low world commodity prices. With a per capita annual income of just US$260, the Central African Republic is one of Africa’s poorest countries; the GDP real growth rate was 0.5 per cent in 2004 (CIA est.) and the annual growth rate a modest 1.1 per cent. The Central African Republic is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Union (CEMAC), the main regional trading organisation. France provides extensive economic and financial aid and is the country’s main trading partner. Belgium and Luxembourg are both important export markets.

A knowledge of French is essential. Interpreter and translation services may be available at large hotels. Business cards should be in French and English. Formal wear is expected (suits and ties for men). The best months for business visits are between November and May. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1530.

Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie (CCI)
Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, BP 823, Bangui, Central African Republic
Tel: 611 668.
E-mail: ccici@africaonline.co.ci