Free Trade and Processing Zone

The Antigua and Barbuda Free Trade and Processing Zone (FTPZ) was established in 1994 by an Act of Parliament. It is based on the legal foundation that set guidelines for the establishment of the International Business Corporations Act in Antigua and Barbuda.

The four fundamental goals of the Free Trade and Processing Zone are:

  • To ensure that Antigua and Barbuda achieves the Government’s objectives of diversification and export-led growth. The objective of diversification includes a reduction in the vulnerability and risk related to a one-crop economy- Tourism and the creation of transfer of technology for a diversified source of employment and foreign exchange.
  • To develop a bi-focal economy and to forge domestic linkages which guarantee sustained and balanced growth.
  • To contribute to the country’s economic growth and development and to ensure efficient utilization specifically of the resources of capital and labour.
  • To become internationally renowned for excellence in Information Technology, administrative efficiency and related services and products.

The Free Trade and Processing Zone is outfitted with the infrastructure for all major utilities. Excellent electricity and telecommunications systems are in place. The area is not only connected to the national water system provided by the Antigua Public Utilities, but also has a 500,000 imperial gallon (2270 cu/m) water storage facility on the compound.

The Free Zone Commission manages and leases serviced land in the Free Trade and Processing Zone. The Free Trade and Processing Zone Act of 1994 governs the leases of the zone. All land leases have to be approved by the Cabinet and registered at the Land Registrar. The FTPZ primarily targets foreign direct investment to incorporate and locate within the free zone area.

The total size of the FTPZ is approximately 90 acres with the possibility of expansion. Presently, there are only two enterprises located at the zone. These are The American University of Antigua and the government-owned Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology. The Zone is growing and can grant FTPZ status to interested investors outside the zone.

There are no set rates applied by the FTPZ authority. The interested buyer and the FTZP management usually negotiate rates and terms of the lease based on the activity of the company. The minimum size of land to be leased is one acre and the average period of lease is 25 years.

Prior to leasing land at the FTPZ the investor has to apply for a license and register the investment. Entitlements and benefits under the Antigua and Barbuda Free Trade and Processing Zone Act are only available to a company that has been issued a license. Potential investors may obtain a license to operate in the zone by applying to the Commissioner of the FTPZ.

The FTPZ publishes a guide to doing business in the FTPZ, which is distributed to interested investors along with the application forms, the FTPZ Act, and a guide to assist the investor in filling out the application forms.