Canada-Antigua and Barbuda relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Antigua and Barbuda have had bilateral relations since 1981, when Antigua and Barbuda gained independence. The relationship is based on development and security cooperation and people-to-people ties, including through tourism. Canada is home to approximately 4,505 Antiguans and Barbudans.
The two countries also collaborate on a range of issues in multilateral fora, such as the Organization of American States, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations, notably on the recognition of the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States. Antigua and Barbuda and Canada collaborate closely in key regional institutions, such as the Caribbean Development Bank. Canada also represents Antigua and Barbuda on the Board of Governors at both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
Canada is represented in Antigua and Barbuda by the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, which opened in 1967. Antigua and Barbuda is represented by a non-resident High Commissioner, based in Washington, D.C., and a Consulate general in Toronto.
Trade relations
In 2023 Canada’s merchandise exports to Antigua and Barbuda totaled $6.3 million and merchandise imports from Antigua and Barbuda totaled approximately $300,000. Canada’s main exports to Antigua and Barbuda included consumer goods; electronic and electrical equipment and parts; industrial machinery, equipment and parts and non-metallic mineral products; Canada’s main imports consisted of consumer goods; metal and non-metallic mineral products; energy products and electronic and electrical equipment and parts. There are further opportunities in the infrastructure, clean technology and agriculture sectors.
Due to the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff (CARIBCAN) - an economic and trade development assistance program for the Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories established by Canada in 1985 – and Canada’s other Tariff preference measures, the vast majority of all Caribbean exports to Canada enter duty free.
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Development
In 2022, Antigua and Barbuda graduated from the OECD Development Assistance Committee List of Official Development Assistance Recipient Countries and is no longer eligible for development assistance. The country however continues to benefit from Canada’s support through regional initiatives focused on mutual priorities, such as climate and economic resilience, sustainable and inclusive governance, and advancing of gender equality.
Following the devastating 2017 hurricane season in the Caribbean, Canada announced a 5-year $100 million Pledge for Caribbean Reconstruction and Economic and Climate Resilience. The pledge was fulfilled in 2022 and included strengthening natural disaster planning and response through organizations such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Funding also supported the reconstruction of community facilities in Barbuda through the Caribbean Development Bank. In May 2024, Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CDEMA to improve tactical mobility coordination for enhanced disaster response.
Canada continues to advocate for small island and low-lying states in the Caribbean, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada redirected programming to respond to Antigua and Barbuda and Caribbean needs, including to address gender-based violence, income support and essential services, training and technical assistance for health professionals, as well as supplies and protective equipment.
A principle means of support to the Caribbean is technical assistance and training to increase the capacity of governments and organizations. For instance, the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism provides technical assistance to CARICOM governments, including Antigua and Barbuda, to help diversify and strengthen the economy, build climate resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities.
Information on Canadian development initiatives is available on the Global Affairs Canada Project Browser.
Security
Canada and Antigua and Barbuda enjoy strong collaboration in defense and security. We collaborate through Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program to combat drug trade, cybercrime and other crimes. Canada also supports the Barbados-based Regional Security System, which provides security assistance on request to Member States, including in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program, and both countries’ law enforcement agencies participate in TRADEWINDS, a multinational land and maritime training exercise.
Partnerships and organizations
Antigua and Barbuda is an active member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Antigua and Barbuda work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- The Commonwealth
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Bank (WB)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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