In today’s globalized economy, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is more than just a financial transaction—it is a lifeline for economic and social development, especially for small developing countries like Antigua and Barbuda.
What is Foreign Direct Investment? FDI occurs when an individual or business from one country makes a long-term investment in a business or asset in another country. This could involve building new facilities, acquiring existing businesses, or reinvesting profits earned from overseas operations.
Why FDI Matters for Antigua and Barbuda FDI has been instrumental in shaping Antigua and Barbuda’s modern economy. A prime example is Sandals Grande Antigua, a flagship resort that not only attracts thousands of tourists annually but also employs hundreds of locals and invests heavily in human capital.
Another transformative example is the Peace, Love, and Happiness (PLH) Project in Barbuda, which has already attracted over $500 million in investment since 2020. This ambitious development includes:
- A new international airport
- A luxury golf course and beach clubs
- High-end residences
- Upgraded utilities and infrastructure
- And soon, a deepwater cruise ship docking station
By its completion, the PLH Project is expected to create over 12,000 jobs, positioning Barbuda as a rising economic powerhouse within the region.
What Makes a Country Attractive to FDI? Investors look for:
- Political and economic stability
- Transparent legal systems
- Skilled labor
- Modern infrastructure
- Market access
- And crucially, a strong international reputation
As Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized at the 2025 Citizenship by Investment (CIP) Summit:“The stability of these immigration investment programmes, which are purveyors of great opportunity, is quintessential to the socio-economic stability of these countries, providing significant revenues to support much-needed economic diversification and the overall advancement of these micro-states.”
A Global Race for Investment Even large, resource-rich countries are competing for FDI. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his support for a $14.9 billion investment by Japan’s Nippon Steel into U.S. Steel, a deal expected to create 70,000 jobs. This underscores that FDI is vital not just for small nations, but for global powers as well.
The Role of the Private Sector: Lessons from Jamaica While FDI is crucial, local private sector investment is equally important. Jamaica offers a compelling example. Through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and other initiatives, the Jamaican government mobilized over US$520 million in private capital in 2024 alone.
A Call to Action for Antigua and Barbuda’s Private Sector We urge our local business leaders to reconsider how they can contribute more meaningfully to the economic growth and development of our country. Whether through infrastructure, renewable energy, education, or technology, there are countless opportunities to invest in our future.
Let us not wait for foreign investors alone to build our nation. Let us lead by example. For the support given to outside investors is readily available to local investors and is codified in law under the Investment Authority Act.
The Consequences of Undermining Investor Confidence At a recent meeting of OECS Trade Ministers, and heads of each respective country’s head of Investment Facilitation Units, as well as Leaders from the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Trade Centre (ITC), and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), held in Miami last week, the message was clear: FDI remains a vital catalyst for economic growth and job creation. But this growth is fragile. For public discourse that damages a country’s image can have long-term consequences. And we know that investors are always watching—and listening.
A Shared Responsibility Therefore, whether in government or opposition, private sector or civil society, we all have a role to play in safeguarding Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a great place to invest, work, and live. As such, let us be mindful of our words and actions, for they echo far beyond our shores.
Consequently, if the pipeline of FDI were to dry up due to internal missteps, the consequences would be dire. Therefore, we must not take the gains of the past three decades for granted.
Powerful Quotes on FDI and Global Investment “Foreign direct investment is not just a source of capital—it is a source of knowledge, technology, and jobs.” — Emmanuel de Dinechin “The private sector and foreign direct investments will fuel the economies of the future.” — Emmanuel de Dinechin
Final Word Fellow citizens, too much is at stake. Therefore, let us unite in purpose and action to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda remains a great place to invest, a beacon of opportunity and prosperity, each endeavoring all achieving.Let us not be the architects of our own decline, but the champions of our shared prosperity.