At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Juston Browne began an official visit to China on January 22nd.

January 24, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Browne of Antigua and Barbuda at the Great Hall of the People.

President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of maintaining the traditional friendship and consolidating political mutual trust. Both sides should continue to understand and support each other on issues related to core interests and major concerns. China highly appreciates Antigua and Barbuda’s steadfast adherence to the One-China principle and its continuous support in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, as well as choosing a development path that suits its national conditions. Antigua and Barbuda became the first country in the Eastern Caribbean region to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative with China, bringing tangible benefits to both nations. As China pursues high-quality development and comprehensive modernization, it presents new opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda. China is willing to expand cooperation within the framework of the eight action plans of the high-quality joint construction of the “Belt and Road” in trade, infrastructure construction, climate change, new energy, and healthcare. Both sides should enhance cultural exchanges, and China welcomes more young people from Antigua and Barbuda to come to study and pursue advanced education. China is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Antigua and Barbuda, advocate for a world of multipolarity, equality, and orderly economic globalization, and work towards building a community with a shared future for humanity. China values the concerns and demands of small island developing countries like Antigua and Barbuda in the field of climate change and is willing to support Antigua and Barbuda in hosting the Fourth International Conference of Small Island Developing States, continuing to provide assistance to regional countries for their economic and social development, and promoting the continuous development of China-Caribbean relations.

Prime Minister Browne expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for the valuable support provided by the Chinese government. He noted that China’s assistance and cooperation have greatly facilitated the development of Antigua and Barbuda, helping the country overcome poverty. Acknowledging China’s commitment to treating countries, regardless of size, as equals and actively promoting the lofty vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Prime Minister Browne highlighted China’s unparalleled leadership and appeal in the world. He expressed the belief that Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering adherence to the One-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of China, aligns with the country’s commitment to supporting China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Antigua and Barbuda aspires to be China’s most reliable partner, standing firmly with China on issues concerning the well-being of all humanity and safeguarding the common interests of developing countries. Prime Minister Browne expressed hopes that this visit to China would further elevate China-Antigua and Barbuda relations, yielding more cooperative achievements for the mutual benefit of both nations. Antigua and Barbuda will continue to actively promote the development of relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and China.

Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, attended the meeting.

Premier Li Qiang held talks on January 24, 2024, at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, who is on an official visit to China. Premier Li Qiang stated that over the 41 years of diplomatic relations between China and Antigua and Barbuda, mutual respect and support have been consistently maintained. China is willing to work together with Antigua and Barbuda to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, solidify and promote traditional friendship, continuously deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and better benefit both nations and their peoples.

Premier Li Qiang emphasized that as developing countries, China and Antigua and Barbuda are willing to walk hand in hand on the path of common development. Both sides should actively advance high-quality cooperation under the “Belt and Road” initiative, strengthen cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and explore the potential for cooperation in green economy, blue economy, digital economy, fostering new drivers for economic development. There should be increased collaboration in cultural tourism, civil aviation, healthcare, and talent exchanges to strengthen the foundation of people-to-people friendship between the two countries. China is willing to provide assistance within the framework of South-South cooperation to help Antigua and Barbuda address climate change challenges and continue to enhance multilateral coordination for the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Prime Minister Browne expressed gratitude for the strong momentum in the development of bilateral relations between China and Antigua and Barbuda since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Antigua and Barbuda appreciates China’s substantial support for its economic and social development over the years. Prime Minister Browne affirmed support for President Xi Jinping’s initiatives, including building a community with a shared future for humanity and important proposals such as the “Belt and Road,” global development, global security, and global civilization initiatives. Antigua and Barbuda adheres to the One-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of China, and firmly supports China in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides are willing to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and promote deeper collaboration between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and China. They aim to contribute to the reform of the global economic governance system, jointly tackle global challenges such as climate change, elevate bilateral relations to new heights, and promote the common development of “Global South” countries.

Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements, including those related to the joint construction of the “Belt and Road,” trade, transportation, economic development, visa exemption, and climate change.

On the same day, Mr. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), met with Mr. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, in Beijing.

During the meeting, Mr. Browne said that China and Antigua and Barbuda are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, and under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the traditional friendship is getting deeper and deeper, and the pragmatic cooperation is fruitful. China is willing to continue to support each other on issues related to each other’s core interests, high-quality joint construction of the “Belt and Road”, and promote China-Ananda friendship and cooperative relations to a higher level. The Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC) is willing to carry out multi-level and multi-channel communication and exchanges with the Parliament of the Republic of Angola and the People’s Republic of China in order to provide solid legal protection for the cooperation between the two countries in various fields. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Anbar in multilateral forums, deepen cooperation in areas such as addressing climate change and global environmental governance, and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Mr. Browne said the relationship between the two countries is a model of equal cooperation between large and small countries. The Chinese side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and highly appreciates the series of global cooperation initiatives put forward by China to help countries develop together, and hopes to continuously consolidate and deepen the friendly relations between the two countries.

Zhang Qingwei attended the meeting.

According to the report, tourism has played a pivotal role in driving growth in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, with both sectors experiencing notable strength.

The report also indicates that real economic activity is on track to return to pre-pandemic levels during 2023, signaling a significant milestone in the nation’s recovery from the economic challenges posed by the global health crisis.

After witnessing a peak of 9.2 percent at the end of 2022, inflation exhibited a positive trend, falling to 6.6 percent by August of the following year.

Core inflation has shown a steady decline, indicating a favorable economic environment and effective policy measures.

The current account deficit, which widened to an estimated 16.2 percent of GDP in 2022, is expected to contract to around 12 percent of GDP in 2023.

Although higher tourism receipts were partially offset by increased goods imports and a decline in the terms of trade, the projected reduction indicates positive adjustments in the external balance.

Antigua and Barbuda’s nominal GDP has rebounded, leading to a decrease in public debt from 95 percent of GDP at the end of 2021 to 87 percent at the end of 2022.

Despite this improvement, the nation still faces challenges with high gross financing needs, and there has been limited progress in addressing arrears to both creditors and domestic suppliers.

The report highlights that the country’s financial sector remains stable. However, there are concerns about the rapid growth in credit union lending, albeit from a low base.

Analysts have expressed apprehensions about potential impacts on future credit quality, calling for careful monitoring and management of this aspect of the financial sector.

In conclusion, the IMF’s assessment paints a positive picture of Antigua and Barbuda’s economic trajectory, with strong growth, a decline in inflation, and improving external balances.

However, it underscores the importance of addressing lingering challenges, particularly in managing public debt and ensuring the sustainability of credit union lending.

As the nation looks towards a post-pandemic future, these insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders alike.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed Abdullah Muhammad Alsaihani, the new Non-Resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Antigua and Barbuda.

During the courtesy call at the Office of the Prime Minister, the prime minister expressed his strong desire to strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

He mentioned that Antigua and Barbuda is currently in discussions with the Saudi Royal Family to appoint an Economic Envoy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who will likely be upgraded to the position of Ambassador.

This move will help to further enhance the relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Browne also highlighted that Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an air services agreement between both St. John’s and Riyadh.

He expressed his hope that Saudi Arabia will consider Antigua and Barbuda as a possible destination for its new airline, as it is capable of doing long-haul flights.

During the previous year, when Saudi Arabia transported Caribbean leaders to meet with Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Antigua and Barbuda was one of the countries where the Saudi aircraft made a stop.

In addition, the prime minister made a case for Antigua and Barbuda to benefit from establishing a Development Fund in the Caribbean, which will be set up by the Saudi government.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has been successful in its bid to be the venue for the 2030 World Expo, and the Saudi campaign for the Expo in the Caribbean started in Antigua and Barbuda.

During his visit to St. John’s, the Saudi ambassador also held discussions with Foreign Minister E.P Chet Greene, and visited the campus of the University of the West Indies at Five Islands. Saudi Arabia has approved US$80 million to finance the expansion of the university, and work on this project will begin shortly.

Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Award for Caribbean Tourist Board of the Year has been won by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority due to their outstanding performance in 2023.

The Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards acknowledges the efforts of people and places contributing to the Caribbean’s success, from the best hotels to the top tourism executives and the islands that excel in fields such as food, romance, sustainability, and innovation, as chosen by Caribbean Journal’s editorial team and leading experts on Caribbean travel and tourism.

The winning streak of Antigua and Barbuda continued with the destination being recognized as Wedding Destination of the Year and Culinary Destination of the Year in the awards announced by Caribbean Journal.

Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez described the wins as a demonstration of the strong performance of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the tourism industry teams during the year.

“Brand Antigua and Barbuda has a clear vision that has been developed based on the inputs and feedback of our tourism stakeholders across various sectors. Through partnership and collaboration, we continue to elevate our tourism offerings and experiences showcasing our talents and the uniqueness of Antigua and Barbuda. To be recognized by our peers in the region is an honor, and I am tremendously proud of the work of our teams,” he said.

Meanwhile Editor and Publisher of Caribbean Journal Alexander Britell says Antigua and Barbuda has experienced meteoric growth in tourism over the last few years.

“The twin-island destination’s performance in the 10th annual Caribbean Travel Awards is a testament to that success. From a Caribbean-leading culinary movement to its place as a world-class wedding destination, Antigua and Barbuda and the ABTA are a model for the rest of the region.”

During 2023, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority hosted the inaugural Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week in May and laid out the red carpet for couples visiting the destination during Antigua and Barbuda Romance Month in June.

And Colin James, CEO of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority congratulated his team for their commitment to working diligently to ensure Antigua and Barbuda sets itself apart from other destinations.

“Our main priority is to continue increasing airlift growth, producing unique campaigns and marketing initiatives, and focusing on sustainability. Winning several of the prestigious awards is a great achievement and highlights the endless dedication we devote towards promoting the destination and contributing to the success of our island’s tourism industry,” James stated

The Verandah Antigua and Hammock Cove also won awards. The Verandah Antigua won the Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort of the Year, and Hammock Cove won Small All-Inclusive of the Year.