Antigua and Barbuda Discusses Investment Opportunities with Saudi EXIM Bank at UN Tourism General Assembly

As the 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly unfolds in Riyadh, the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, has been actively participating in high-level bilateral and business meetings to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s investment and tourism collaborations.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, Minister Fernandez and the Antigua and Barbuda delegation engaged with a senior team from the Saudi EXIM Bank to discuss potential areas for collaboration and investment. This meeting centered on economic cooperation and development financing, with the Saudi side led by Dr. Naif Alshammari, Deputy CEO; Jahera Almri, Partnerships Manager; and Naif O. Alajroush, Director General of International Relations.

The Antigua and Barbuda delegation included Mr. Vernon Jeffers, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and Mr. St. Clair Soleyn, Director of Policy and Planning in the Ministry of Tourism. Together, they provided an economic overview of Antigua and Barbuda, underscoring the nation’s robust growth trajectory.

It was emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda currently boasts one of the highest GDPs in the region, second only to Guyana. The country is strategically positioned to encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and attract substantial foreign investment. The discussions also delved into cooperation in tourism, aviation, and financial services, as well as avenues for capacity building and development.

The Saudi EXIM Bank delegation expressed a strong interest in expanding its presence in the Caribbean, recognizing the potential for engagement with local banking institutions and strategic partnerships across various sectors. Additionally, they extended an official invitation for Antigua and Barbuda to participate in an upcoming investment conference organized by the Saudi EXIM Bank in Panama in early 2026.