Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene is urging private investors to build a dedicated conference centre in Antigua and Barbuda, saying gaps in available facilities prevent the country from hosting some international meetings.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting town hall, Greene said private investment could support the government’s effort to expand conference tourism and diversify the economy.

“Do not be afraid to make an investment in a purpose-built conference facility,” Greene said.

“There are some meetings we’d like to host that we really can’t host because we don’t have the amenities or facilities to host them.”

Greene commended the American University of Antigua for its conference centre, a key venue for CHOGM, while encouraging investors to consider additional facilities that could strengthen the country’s ability to attract future events.

He said hosting international meetings formed part of the government’s response to the

economic

disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strategy, he argued, creates opportunities for accommodation providers, taxi operators, restaurants, souvenir vendors and other businesses serving visiting delegates.

Antigua and Barbuda expects approximately 5,000 overseas participants for CHOGM and its associated activities, scheduled for November 1 to 4.

Greene said the value of hosting the summit should be assessed beyond the immediate event, pointing to opportunities to attract returning visitors, business investment and further international meetings.

“As the government makes these interventions, private investments as well, to drive this process along the way,” he said.

He did not announce a specific private project, financing arrangement or construction timetable for a new conference centre.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Greene urges private investment in conference centre for Antigua and Barbuda.