The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration has announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host a Specialised Services Sector Training Programme in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) from June 29 to July 2, 2026. The programme will be held daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Customs and Excise Division Conference Room, Deep Water Harbour.
The initiative forms part of a broader regional consultancy titled "Technical Support to OECS Independent Protocol Member for Specialized Training to Strengthen and Enhance Knowledge Capacity, Policymaking and Negotiating Skills of Public and Private Sector Stakeholders in the Services Sector."
The programme is being implemented under the OECS framework, which comprises Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It supports the objectives of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, which established the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union (ECEU) and promotes deeper economic integration, policy harmonisation, and the development of a single economic space.
The training comes at a critical juncture as OECS Member States work to strengthen their resilience and competitiveness in global services markets, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges and the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme targets trade officials, public sector policymakers, Business Support Organisations (BSOs), and private sector stakeholders in the services industry. Participants will engage in the development of a Specialised Services Sector Training Plan tailored to national needs, a National Training Workshop focused on practical policy and negotiation skills, and a Stakeholder Sensitisation and Awareness Seminar.
The seminar will address key topics including trends in services and non-traditional sectors, Trade in Services (TIS) obligations, barriers to services trade, and market intelligence tools for services development. Training will be delivered in a hybrid format to ensure broad participation across both public and private sectors.
The Ministry says the initiative will enable Member States to better leverage trade agreements, modernise regulatory frameworks, and enhance competitiveness in global services markets. By strengthening institutional capacity and improving policy coherence, the programme aims to support sustainable economic growth and increased participation in regional and international trade.
Stakeholders in Antigua and Barbuda interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Trade at 562-1532 or 562-8114, or via email at [email protected], for further information and registration details.
