Prime Minister Gaston Browne has invited Swiss companies, including luxury watchmakers, to consider establishing operations in Antigua and Barbuda, saying such investments could create higher-paying jobs and develop local skills.

Browne made the pitch during a meeting Monday with Switzerland’s new non-resident ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, according to ABS News.

He said Antigua and Barbuda could offer competitive labour costs, allowing Swiss businesses to produce goods at a lower cost.

“If you’re looking for a country to collaborate in which you can get more competitive labour, Antigua and Barbuda certainly would be willing,” Browne said.

The prime minister pointed to Switzerland’s developed service economy as a model from which Antigua and Barbuda could learn. He linked greater investment and skills development to improving productivity and increasing income per person.

Browne also called for cooperation between Swiss universities and the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, including student exchanges and joint programmes in artificial intelligence and computing technologies.

He encouraged more Swiss tourists to visit Antigua and Barbuda, saying their purchasing power could help increase tourism spending.

The report did not announce any agreement with a Swiss watchmaker or commitment to establish local production.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Prime Minister Invites Swiss Watchmakers to Set Up Operations in Antigua and Barbuda.