Economic activity on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is limited, with the public sector providing the majority of the employment, through administration, education, health and local government services.
The largest private sector activity is the provision of services to the community, often under contract to the Australian Government. Small businesses provide a range of goods and services including accommodation, tourism, workshop/mechanical services, gardening and cleaning.
The Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd is the main employer of Cocos Malays (along with the Shire Council) and is responsible for management of the supermarkets on Home and West Islands and the current public transport service on behalf of the Australian Government.
The tourism industry on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is modest. Current limitations on the industry are due to the small number of tourist beds available on West Island and the frequency of air services to and from the Islands.