The two islands of Antigua and Barbuda, together with an uninhabited island, form the island state of Antigua and Barbuda in the eastern Caribbean (Lesser Antilles). Diplomatic and economic relations between Switzerland and Antigua and Barbuda are modest in scope.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Antigua and Barbuda
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The Swiss Embassy in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) has represented Swiss interests in Antigua and Barbuda since 2007. Since May 2011, all consular tasks have been dealt with by the Regional Consular Centre in Santo Domingo.
Economic cooperation
The main economic activities in Antigua and Barbuda are tourism and financial services. However, the volume of trade between the two countries is low. In 2018, Switzerland imported goods worth CHF 47,000. Swiss exports to Antigua and Barbuda – primarily watches, machinery and pharmaceutical products – amounted to CHF 1.7 million.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Scholars and artists from Antigua and Barbuda can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Swiss nationals in Antigua and Barbuda
According to the Statistics on the Swiss Abroad, there were 34 Swiss nationals resident in Antigua and Barbuda at the end of 2018.
History of bilateral relations
The islands of Antigua and Barbuda were formerly part of the British colonial empire at the time when sugar cane cultivation was at its height.Switzerland recognised the independence of Antigua and Barbuda in 1981 and has maintained diplomatic relations with the country since that date.
Lesser Antilles, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
