Russian Businessmen Enticed to Invest in Antigua’s Tourism Industry

The atmosphere was ripe for investment last week when the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Jolly Harbour Marina, presented numerous investment opportunities to a group of Russian businessmen on island for a week of sailing and business.

The forum was a mini-trade fair where businesses including Global Bank of Commerce, Nonsuch Bay Developments, Luxury Locations Estate Agents, Pearns Point, Island Living, and South Point operated booths.

Minister Hilson Baptiste, parliamentary representative for the St Mary’s South constituency, both welcomed the Russians to Antigua & Barbuda on behalf of his government, and invited the prospective investors to indulge in the profitable propositions being offered.

In addition, he presented a copy of the award-winning Table Manners culinary review to the wife of the Russian Consul for the Eastern Caribbean, Egor Blagodatskiy.

Also present at the gathering were Ambassadors Mac Emmanuel and Jeff Hadeed, Minister of Culture Eleston Adams, Chairman of the National Parks Authority Claude Anthony, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture Millinette Ambrose.

The visitors were treated to the sounds of sweet local and regional soca, played by the famous Chicki’s Hi-Fi, and joined in the presentation produced by the Beautiful People Mas Band, which showcased their 2011 Carnival production, “What Happens in Vegas” by Calvin Southwell.

Before the culmination of the evening’s event, representatives of a few of the presenting businesses were beaming over the interest shown in their products and looking forward to follow-up opportunities.

For the Antiguan coordinating team, Tuesday night’s event was one of the major highlights of the week, as it was another chance to boost economic activity for the twin-island state during uncertain economic times.

The Russian Business Sailing Week activities moved to the historic Nelson’s Dockyard area on Wednesday, with the official closing taking place on Friday evening at the Copper and Lumber Restaurant.