More than 40 local, regional and international companies have expressed interest in participating in the planned expansion of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, according to the government.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that the expansion project continues to attract significant attention as the government advances plans to further develop the campus.

Merchant said Cabinet was informed by Education Minister Daryll Matthew that more than 15 international bids have already been submitted for the project, while over 25 local companies have registered interest in partnering with overseas contractors.

“The government had opened the bids to regional and international construction companies who have expertise in constructing facilities of this magnitude,” Merchant said.

However, he explained that any regional or international company awarded the contract would be required to collaborate with a local company during the execution of the project.

“So that’s why you have local companies also expressing an interest in being a part of the expansion of UWI Five Islands,” Merchant added.

The expansion of the Five Islands campus is regarded by the government as a major component of its tertiary education agenda and broader efforts to strengthen human resource development in Antigua and Barbuda and across the region.

Merchant also indicated that the bid process is expected to conclude before the end of the year, allowing preparatory work to begin either late this year or early next year.