ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Notification issued in July, 2015 (Visa Exemption for Indians for many categories).
India and Antigua & Barbuda enjoy warm and friendly relations with similarity of views on most issues of common concern. There have been no official structured bilateral visits or engagement for quite some time, though ad-hoc exchanges do take place from time to time. During the first week of April 2012 Member of Parliament Michael Ascot accompanied Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis to India.
High Commissioner of India to Guyana, with residence at Georgetown, is also accredited to the Antigua & Barbuda.
Trade with India, though increasing over the years, remains low in absolute terms. Presently it stands at US$ 2.23 for 2013.14 compared to US$ 1.59m for the previous year.
India-Antigua &Barbuda trade 2009-10 to 2013-14.(figures in US$ Million).
Year |
2009-10 |
2010-11 |
2011-12 |
2012-13 |
2013-14 |
India's Export |
1.45 |
0.94 |
0.87 |
1.36 |
2.19 |
India's Import |
0.01 |
15.63 |
0.06 |
0.23 |
0.04 |
Total Trade |
1.47 |
16.57 |
0.94 |
1.59 |
2.23 |
India has extended economic cooperation through ITEC. A feasibility study for an IT Park with Indian assistance was undertaken in 2008.A feasibility study for a sewage treatment centre was done in 2009. Antigua & Barbuda always desired to further develop relations with India.
Manipal Education Trust, a private sector organization has made substantial investment first in taking over Antigua College of Medicine and later by adding substantially to that facility.It has made great strides to set up Antigua as a regional centre for specialized education.
Indian community is estimated to be around 450 engaged in garments, jewelry, pharmaceutical business and Indian students studying in medical institutions here.
JUL 2014
