Identifying and promoting investment opportunities for Antiguan and Barbudan businesses in the UK is the driving force behind the second annual United Kingdom-Antigua and Barbuda Business Forum

The event, which will be held from November 06 to 10 is the brainchild of High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill and it will be held in the same week as the annual World Travel Market in London and will involve close collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

Participants from the twin island nation will have the opportunity to showcase their goods and services at various customized events including the World Travel Market.

They are expected to gain information on the entry requirements for the United Kingdom including exporting, standards, marketing, transportation, and logistics as well as explore opportunities under the UKCARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement.

According to a media statement, the exhibitors will also interact with UK media and engage in targeted Business to Business (B2B) exchanges that will provide important networking and potential investment opportunities.

As is customary, the Forum includes elements of the celebration of Antigua and Barbuda’s political independence and diaspora engagement and will feature several wider events to promote Antigua and Barbuda.

 The Opening Ceremony will conclude with the London screening of the Environmental Awareness Group’s documentary – “Redonda: The Road to Recovery” which chronicles the restoration and transformation of this Island.

The film will also be screened in Leicester, another diaspora hub for Antiguans and Barbudans.

The week will also host the launch of the book by celebrated author Pamela Roberts titled The Adventures of a Black Edwardian Scholar: The Story of James Arthur Harley. It is the compelling story of an Antiguan who studied at Howard, Yale, and Oxford Universities in the early 20th century and became a priest and later a Councillor whose life provides an interesting study on the intersection of race, identity, academics, religion, and politics.

The foreword to the book was written by High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Trade has commended the initiative and said that trade promotion and securing international investment is central to Antigua and Barbuda’s economic development policy.

“These forums provide an invaluable opportunity to expose Antigua and Barbuda’s entrepreneurs to important opportunities in key markets like the United Kingdom and equally to exhibit Antigua and Barbuda as an attractive destination for British investment.

Trade has always been a force for good in the world. It helps to raise living standards and provide economic opportunity and prosperity for our people”, the Minister said.

The Resident British High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, Lindsy Thompson also commended the trade initiative between both nations. She said, “I’d like to congratulate all those involved in making the second UK Business Forum come to life.

The exhibitors participated in a pre-departure briefing session on Tuesday 11th October jointly developed by the High Commission, the Antigua Barbuda Investment Authority, the Ministry of Trade, and the British High Commission St John’s