This month’s third annual Antigua and Barbuda – United Kingdom Business
Forum has been described as a success.
Hosted by the UK High Commission from November 22-23 in London, the
business forum provided a dynamic environment for businesses and industries in
Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom to establish linkages and explore
the possibilities for economic partnerships.
The event was attended by a delegation from Antigua and Barbuda led by Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, and
senior representatives from various commercial sectors including port logistics,
real estate, citizenship by investment, agriculture, wealth management and
innovative energy solutions.
On Day 1, the guests gathered at the Royal Over-Seas League and were able to
engage in an interactive roundtable discussion with the Sustainable Markets
Initiative (SMI) and the United Kingdom Department of Business and Trade on
matters related to the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Additionally, Minister Greene formed part of a discussion panel that explored
investment opportunities beyond sun, sand, and sea within the twin island state.
“The Minister expressed that the business forum afforded a unique opportunity for
the introduction of Antiguan and Barbudan industries to the United Kingdom with
the intention of forging strategic connections for trade and investments. Other
panelists included Lord Henry Bellingham, former Minister for the Caribbean; Mr.
Garfield Joseph, Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Investment
Authority and Dr. Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Advisor and Head of Oceans and
Natural Resources of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The keynote address was
delivered by businessman and frequent visitor to Antigua and Barbuda, Steve
Elsom,” according to a media release from the UK High Commission.
Crown Agents Bank provided use of its offices for senior representatives from both
Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom to engage in individual business-to-
business meetings on Day 2. The discussion centered around the trade and
investment agenda of the government to include increasing investment in critical
infrastructure to support business growth and development. Other topical areas
covered capitalization of Antigua and Barbuda’s booming tourism industry,
promotion of the citizenship by investment unit, and diversification of the
agricultural, educational, and healthcare sectors.
Some of the UK businesses and organizations which participated, included the
Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Aquama Renewables, Seafields
Sargassum Management Company, WestMinister Group PLC, Lagan Aviation
Infrastructure Limited, REIDsteel, EcoStim Limited, Drift Energy Limited, and
Greencrowd Partnership LLP.
