Delegates from the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, Bankers Association, Manufacturers Association and various other industry organizations identified key friction points affecting private sector growth
In an unprecedented gathering at the Finance Administrative Centre, the nation’s top regulators came face-to-face with private sector leaders for high level consultation to align on ideasto improve economic facilitation in the country.
The Department of Commerce officially convened this 2026 Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Forum on Thursday, April 9, 2026 under the theme "Breaking Barriers, Enabling Business," prioritizing administrative efficiency, digital transformation, and the removal of systemic bottlenecksto foster a more resilient domestic business environment.
During the morning sessions, delegates from the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, Bankers Association, Manufacturers Association and various other industry organizations identified key friction points affecting private sector growth.
Minister for Commerce & Investment Dr. Ernest Hilaire reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transitioning public services from a regulatory-first mindset to a facilitationbased model.
He underscored that reformsshould be more than just technology. "We are talking the language of smart regulation," Hilaire noted. "We want our agencies to think like facilitators, recognizing that we have a responsibility to our society to ensure business can thriveresponsibly."
Following intensive panel discussions and multi-stakeholder breakout sessions, the Forum identified a comprehensive series of Action Points designed for immediate and phased implementation: -The Bankers Association of Saint Lucia committed to streamlining the mortgage application process to match the efficiency of retail credit. Additionally, the sector is exploring the integration of non-traditional collateral, such as intellectual property, to support the creative and technology industries.
To address challenges in securing commercial space, stakeholders proposed a centralized database for commercial and crown lands. This will be integrated with an online "application tracker" to provide real-time transparency for permit approvals.
The forum recommended the establishment of a dedicated Labour Court with permanent judicial oversight to expedite the resolution of industrial disputes and improve labour market predictability.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced that it is evaluating a "presumptive tax" system for micro-enterprises. Furthermore, the IRD will launch a Taxpayer Charter to define and guarantee service delivery standards.
The forum highlighted significant progress in the government's digital agenda. The Customs and Excise Department is currently finalizing a fully paperless clearance system, while the Registry of Companies & Intellectual Property (ROCIP) is automating incorporation workflows to eliminate manual errors.
Another objective remains the implementation of an Electronic Single Window. This unified digital interface will allow the Customs & Excise Department, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Port Authority (SLASPA), Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Commerce and other trade facilitation agenciesto synchronize data in real-time,significantly reducing the administrative burden on importers and exporters.
To ensure the sustainability of these reforms, the Department of Commerce announced the formation of a Business Facilitation Unit. This unit, supported by a joint public-private task force, will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the forum’s Action Points and maintaining inter-agency accountability.
Addressing the Forum, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre said, "We want Saint Lucians to feel inspired that they can start a business and that they will get the support from government to thrive. We are not just doing this for rankings; we are doing this for our survival and long-term prosperity.”
Department of Commerce’s Permanent Secretary Sophia Alfay-Henry assured, “This forum is not ceremonial; it is purposeful. Meaningful progress cannot happen in splintered silos. Our intention is not to have conversations that end simply in promises and pleasantries; it is to translate dialogue into action."
The outcomes of this forum will serve as the basis for the reform agenda to enhance Saint Lucia’s competitiveness and business climate.