The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reiterated its call for local contractors to combine their resources, expertise and financial capacity to pursue major construction and infrastructure projects, strengthening the participation of Antiguan and Barbudan businesses in the country’s development.
Cabinet emphasized that greater collaboration among local construction firms is essential if they are to compete effectively for large-scale contracts that may otherwise be awarded to established regional and international companies.
The renewed appeal follows earlier discussions between Cabinet and local contractors, during which the Government encouraged firms to explore partnerships, joint ventures and other forms of collaboration to increase their capacity to undertake major projects. The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss challenges affecting the construction sector, including access to financing, cash flow, project management and the preparation of competitive bids.
Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne has consistently maintained that local contractors should not allow the scale of major projects to prevent them from participating. Instead, firms are being encouraged to consider combining their individual strengths, equipment, technical expertise and financial resources to meet the requirements of larger contracts.
Cabinet believes that collaboration can help local firms expand beyond the limitations of operating independently. By pooling resources and sharing responsibilities, contractors may be better positioned to meet tender requirements, undertake complex assignments, strengthen their management systems and build a track record of delivering major projects.
The Government’s position is also reflected in its approach to the expansion of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, where Cabinet has directed project officials to encourage local contractors to form partnerships to improve their ability to compete for the works.
Cabinet has also outlined measures to strengthen the construction sector, including the establishment of a Contractor Support Unit within the Ministry of Works. The unit is intended to assist local firms with bid preparation, costing, technical and administrative support, business development training and skills development aligned with international standards. Government has also reaffirmed the importance of more predictable payment cycles, recognizing that reliable cash flow is critical to the successful execution of construction contracts.
Cabinet recognizes that the development of a stronger domestic construction industry requires both Government support and a willingness by businesses to modernize, collaborate and adopt sound commercial practices. Contractors are therefore encouraged to strengthen their internal systems, improve project planning and costing, and explore partnerships with established firms where additional expertise or resources are required.
The Government’s objective is to create greater opportunities for local businesses to participate meaningfully in national development while building the capacity of the construction sector to undertake increasingly complex projects. This approach can support employment, facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge, strengthen local enterprises and help retain more of the value generated by public investment within Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet is therefore renewing its appeal to local contractors to begin engaging one another, identify areas of complementarity and establish practical arrangements that will allow them to compete collectively for major projects.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cabinet Reiterates Call for Local Contractors to Pool Resources and Compete for Major National Projects.