Prime Minister Browne and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister discuss Enhanced Cooperation on Port Development, Trade and Digital Transformation
JUMBY BAY ISLAND, Antigua and Barbuda – Prime Minister and Chairman-in-Office of the Commonwealth, the Right Honourable Gaston Browne, met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda for discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two small states.
The meeting focused on opportunities for greater collaboration in areas including port development, maritime services, tourism, trade, digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), education and capacity-building.
Prime Minister Browne highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s ambition to develop its seaport into a modern transshipment hub serving the wider Caribbean. He noted that the Government had already invested approximately US$100 million in expanding and modernising the port, with plans for a further investment of a similar amount to advance its development.
Recognising Singapore’s considerable experience in port management, shipping and global supply-chain operations, Prime Minister Browne invited the Singapore Government to explore opportunities for technical cooperation and investment. He also proposed that Singapore’s port operator, PSA, examine the possibility of participating in the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s port.
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the proposal and indicated that he would ask PSA to assess the potential for involvement in the port project. He explained that the company invests in and operates ports internationally and has developed networks linking ports into integrated supply-chain systems.
Prime Minister Browne also proposed exploring a broader cooperation agreement between the two countries, encompassing tourism, maritime and other services, as well as the exchange of technical expertise. He underscored the value of Singapore’s experience in economic development and public administration, and expressed interest in opportunities for student exchanges between the two countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Singapore’s willingness to explore further avenues of cooperation, particularly in supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s development priorities and strengthening training and institutional capacity. He also identified digitalisation and artificial intelligence as important areas for collaboration, noting the need to prepare citizens through education and training to take advantage of emerging technologies and their potential to create new employment opportunities.
Both leaders underscored the importance of stronger cooperation among small states, recognising that collaboration, trust and the sharing of expertise can help small countries strengthen their economic prospects and enhance their collective voice in international affairs.
Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to supporting Singapore within the Commonwealth and other international forums, including on matters relating to candidatures. He also welcomed the opportunity to deepen relations between the two countries and to build a practical partnership that delivers tangible benefits to their people. (Ends)
Source: Antigua News Room Singapore to Consider Investing in Antigua and Barbuda’s Port After Talks With PM Browne.