Canada and Antigua and Barbuda Explore Deeper Trade and Agricultural Cooperation

Canada and Antigua and Barbuda are looking to expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment, agriculture and food security as the two countries continue preparations for CHOGM 2026. The discussions took place during a meeting between Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs Minister E. Paul Chet Greene in Toronto. The ministers met on the sidelines of the Pathways to Peace international conference, held September 28 and 29, where discussions centred on the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war. Anand thanked Antigua and Barbuda for participating in the conference and acknowledged the country’s continued involvement in those international efforts. Attention also turned to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to host in St. John’s from November 1 to 4. Canada expressed support for Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations for the major international gathering, including capacity-building assistance ahead of the arrival of Commonwealth leaders. Economic cooperation formed another significant part of the talks, with both ministers discussing opportunities to increase trade and investment between their countries. Agriculture and food security emerged as areas with potential for further collaboration. Canada indicated an interest in supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural development through access to Canadian agri-technology, technical expertise and dependable suppliers of food products. The talks reflect efforts by both governments to broaden their relationship beyond traditional diplomatic cooperation and identify practical opportunities for increased economic and agricultural engagement. With Antigua and Barbuda preparing to host CHOGM 2026, the upcoming summit is also providing another platform for strengthening ties between the two Commonwealth nations.