The United Kingdom – Antigua and Barbuda Trade and Investment Mission is poised to take place in Antigua from March 11th to March 13th, 2024. Organised to enhance bilateral relations and facilitate economic collaboration between the two nations, the event promises to be crucial for businesses, government officials, and stakeholders.
storiesThe multi-sectoral three-day event will encompass a range of activities designed to promote trade and investment opportunities while fostering dialogue on key economic sectors. Attendees will engage in general economic briefings, networking sessions with local and international businesses, sector-specific roundtables, and listen to captivating success stories.
Delegates representing prominent UK companies, including CEOs, CFOs, Boardroom Directors, and Business Strategy Directors, will converge to explore potential avenues for collaboration across various sectors. With a focus on Antigua and Barbuda’s key economic drivers—such as infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), and the blue and green economy—the mission seeks to catalyse mutually beneficial partnerships that drive sustainable growth.
The mission’s first day will feature a distinguished lineup of high-level officials, including a keynote address from the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs. Remarks will also be delivered by His Excellency Scott Furssedonn-Ward MVO, Barbados and Non-Resident High Commissioner to the Eastern Caribbean; Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive Officer, DMA Invest; Jennifer Jordan-Saifi M.V.O., Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Markets Initiative and moderated by Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
The day will conclude with a reception at Government House sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Banking Association during which the Sustainable Markets Initiative will launch its focused partnership strategy for Antigua and Barbuda.
Additionally, two panel discussions will feature industry experts providing insights into the economic landscape of Antigua and Barbuda. The first panel, a Senior Technician Panel for Antigua and Barbuda, will include distinguished speakers such as Her Excellency Diann BlackLayne, Ambassador for Climate Change and Director, Department of the Environment; Whitfield Harris, Special Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships; Colin James, Chief Executive Officer, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, Chief Executive Officer, Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit; Darwin Telemaque, Chief Executive Officer, Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority and moderated by Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive Officer, DMA Invest.
The second panel discussion on private sector engagement will include discussions from Craig Marshall, Chairman, Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association; Ladesa JamesWilliams, Country Head Antigua, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Director, Retail Sales OECS, President of the Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat Bankers’ Association; Martin Cave Chief Executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce; Cherissa Roberts-Thomas, President, Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association; Garfield Joseph, Executive Director, Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority and moderated by Rick Gambetta, Founder and Partner, GreenCrowd Energy.
The second day will also feature high-level ministerial meetings, including discussions with key government officials. Delegates will also have the opportunity to attend a VIP Reception hosted by the British High Commission in Antigua before participating in an optional visit to Barbuda on the last day, engaging with local entrepreneurs and exploring key sites such as the new airport site, the Peace Love and Happiness Golf Course, the River Dock, and the Barbuda Ocean Club.
A delegation from Montserrat, led by Premier Joseph Farrell, will also travel to Antigua and Barbuda to participate in the event.
This event underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen their relationship and capitalize on the potential for trade and investment.
The United Kingdom-Antigua and Barbuda Trade and Investment Mission would not be possible without the contributions made by the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority, the United Kingdom Government, DMA Invest, the British High Commission in St. John’s, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Sustainable Markets Initiative, the Antigua and Barbuda Banking Association, the Citizenship by Investment Unit and the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce.
Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London The High Commission manages and coordinate regional, international, and multilateral/bilateral relations, safeguards and advances the interest of nationals living abroad and provides diplomatic and protocol services on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda.
