The International Monetary Fund says weak air and shipping connectivity remain major constraints on Antigua and Barbuda’s competitiveness, limiting trade performance and reducing the economy’s ability to absorb external shocks.
In its concluding statement following an Article IV consultation mission to St. John’s in January, IMF staff said improved connectivity is crucial for Caribbean trade performance, economic resilience and sustainable growth, identifying shipping and air links as “binding constraints” on trade and tourism.
The IMF pointed to ongoing and planned upgrades to port and airport facilities as part of the effort to ease bottlenecks, and said priorities could include modernizing port and digital infrastructure.
Staff also cited administrative hurdles in customs procedures, urging steps to reduce red tape. The IMF said a single electronic window for trade facilitation would help streamline processing, improve transparency and cut administrative costs.
Over time, the Fund said stronger connectivity and competitiveness could lift potential growth and make Antigua and Barbuda more resilient to external shocks, while cautioning that major new infrastructure projects should be supported by careful cost-benefit analysis that accounts for fiscal and debt implications.
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