Eric Van Drunen, Maritime Economist, Visits Ambassador Clarence E. Pilgrim to Discuss Regional Food Trade and Agriculture

April 8, 2025 – Eric Van Drunen, a prominent maritime economist from the Netherlands, visited Ambassador Clarence E. Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Trade early Tuesday to discuss the future of food trade and agriculture within the Caribbean region. This visit was the final leg of Mr. Van Drunen’s study tour, which included stops in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica. His aim is to conduct research that will contribute to making agricultural practices and trade more sustainable and efficient across the region.

During the meeting, Ambassador Pilgrim welcomed Mr. Van Drunen and expressed the government’s commitment to supporting regional trade initiatives. Ambassador Pilgrim emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda remains dedicated to maintaining regional trade interconnectivity at reasonable prices, ensuring that the economic benefits of such cooperation are felt by all participating nations.

“Antigua and Barbuda is committed to working collaboratively with our regional partners to strengthen trade and agriculture within the Caribbean,” said Ambassador Pilgrim. “We are eager to see the results of Mr. Van Drunen’s study, which we believe will provide valuable insights for enhancing our agricultural sector and improving food trade in the region.”

Mr. Van Drunen’s study is part of a broader effort to identify strategies that can help address the challenges facing the agricultural sector while promoting greater regional cooperation. The results of this study are expected to provide actionable recommendations that will benefit the islands in terms of food security, trade efficiency, and economic development.