Find Industry and Manufacturing expertise in Antigua and Barbuda
- Overview
- Agencies
Antigua and Barbuda’s manufacturing sector is relatively small, contributing just 1.85% towards overall GDP. Light manufacturing sectors such as textiles, distilled liquors and pottery make up the majority of the manufacturing industry in the country. Antigua and Barbuda has been classified 71 out of 185 countries by the World Bank for ease of doing business, a ranking based on how conducive the regulatory environment is to the opening and operation of a local firm.
One of the major reasons for Antigua and Barbuda’s relatively limited scope of industry is the high cost of labour in the country. It has one of the highest costs of labour in the region which means that many potential manufacturers and investors are attracted by the competitive labour costs of neighbouring countries. However, since the 1980s the government has introduced projects and legislation such as the Caribbean Basin Initiative, CARICOM and the Lome Convention which give local manufacturers access to markets in the Caribbean, Europe and the US.
The country’s major manufacturing exports are bedding, handicrafts and electronic components, the local manufacture of which is encouraged by incentives such as tax- and duty-free concessions.
The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority is the primary government agency in charge of attaining FDI for the sector, whilst the Small Business and Manufacturers Association plays a key part in representing the industry on the national stage.
Industry and Manufacturing organisations in Antigua and Barbuda | |
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Armstrong Frank B Ltd |
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