Investment Immigration to Antigua Learn about the basic situation of Antigua:
Economy The economic foundation is weak and the sectors are limited. Tourism is the most important economic sector, while offshore finance and online gambling are the main sources of fiscal revenue for Antigua and Barbuda. The proportion of agriculture in the national economy has been declining year by year, and food is not self-sufficient.
Resources There are only small amounts of limestone, clay, building stone, and baryte.
Agriculture Includes livestock, forestry, and fisheries. The status of agriculture in the national economy continues to decline, with its share of GDP dropping from 40% twenty years ago to the current 4%. Food is not self-sufficient. In recent years, the Antigua and Barbuda government has encouraged agricultural development to reduce dependence on food imports. The main agricultural products currently include corn, vegetables, fruits, and a small amount of island cotton. Antigua Island catches a small amount of live fish and lobster.
Tourism Dominates the national economy. Tourism revenue accounts for about 50% of GDP. 35% of the national workforce is engaged in tourism, with 3,000 guest rooms available. Antigua Island is famous for its beaches, international rowing competitions, and carnivals, while Barbuda Island is less developed but attracts a large number of tourists each year due to its various wildlife. Tourists mainly come from the United States, Europe, Canada, and other Caribbean countries.
Transportation The country has 384 kilometers of main roads and 780 kilometers of secondary roads, with no railways. The capital, St. John's, is a natural deep-water port with modern facilities capable of accommodating ocean-going cargo and passenger ships of 10,000 tons. V.C. Bird International Airport is located 9 kilometers northeast of St. John's, with routes to North America, Europe, and other English-speaking countries in the Caribbean. There are regular flights between the islands of Antigua and Barbuda every day.
Foreign Trade Due to underdeveloped industry, almost all goods from small hardware to various electronic products and automobiles are imported, resulting in a long-standing trade deficit. Major imports include machinery, transportation tools, raw materials for production (including semi-finished products), fuel and lubricants, building materials, agricultural products, automobiles, food, and daily necessities. Exports include a small amount of rum, island cotton, clothing, cotton, and processed foods. The main trading partners are the United States and Caribbean countries.
Economic Organizations The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce was established in 1944 and was renamed in 1991.
People's Lives The country provides free medical care and pensions. There is one public hospital, 35 doctors, and 220 beds. In addition, there are 25 health centers and clinics, as well as one private outpatient clinic. The telecommunications industry is developing rapidly, with all communication lines fully converted to fiber optics.
Culture and Education Compulsory education is implemented in primary and secondary schools, with primary education for ages 5-12 and secondary education for ages 12-16. Most primary and secondary schools are public. The university is the Antigua State College. Some colleges of the University of the West Indies have branches in Antigua and Barbuda, allowing students to take foundational courses and exams to obtain degrees from the University of the West Indies.