Improvements in roads, communications, and port facilities have created a more suitable investment climate for manufacturing as well as tourism and agriculture. Foreign investors have also been lured by an educated and skilled work force and relatively stable political conditions. The largest investment is a petroleum storage and transshipment terminal built by Hess Oil. The tourism sector has made significant gains, experiencing a boom during the last few years despite some unfavorable external factors. The development of the tourism sector has been helped by the government's commitment to providing a favorable investment environment.
Incentives are available for building and upgrading tourism facilities.
There has been liberal use of public funds to improve the physical infrastructure of the island, and the government has made efforts to attract cultural and sporting events and develop historical sites. St. Lucia is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, which issues a common currency. The major thrust of foreign affairs for St. Lucia is economic development. The government is seeking balanced international relations with emphasis on mutual economic cooperation and trade and investment. St. Lucia participated in the 1983 Grenada mission, sending members of its special services unit into active duty.