BY: LATONYA ROBERTS
Journal Staff Writer
Between 2022 and 2023, more than $800 million in goods and services was traded
between The Bahamas and Canada, according to a press statement by the Ministry
of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation and now through an innovation trade
mission that opened on Thursday, Bahamian officials hope to increase that number.
A breakdown of the figures for 2023 show that trade in merchandise totaled $295
million ($284.5million exports; $11 million imports). In 2022, services $528
million ($313Mexports; $215M imports) was traded.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester
Cooper who officially opened the conference on Thursday at the Baha Mar
convention center focused on growth for The Bahamas that will significantly
impact the upcoming generation.
“You know many of our students get their educational foundation in Canada, as
I did, and therefore there is a strong, progressive, civilized partnership of mutual
respect with Canada, and this initiative helped to advance that. I believe that
relations will always be stronger where there are common interests, and
specifically common interests in business and trade, and therefore this is important
that we continue the collaboration, have more business-to-business opportunities”.
He said, “that’s why I think this is significant for the advancement of that
relationship, but also new industries for the Bahamas and technology and
innovation and advancing some of the things we’ve already started to do”.
The High Commissioner for Canada to The Bahamas, Mark Berman released a
statement in which he said, “I am honored to lead one of Canada’s largest
delegations of Canadian companies to The Bahamas for this trade mission,
expanding trade and investment in this region that not only benefits Canadian
businesses but also drives job creation and economic growth for Bahamians.”
“Strengthening our economic ties is a win-win for both nations, High
Commissioner Berman.”
Dr. Leo Rolle, CEO of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’
Confederation focused on the presence of Canadian banks in The Bahamas, saying
the mission should enhance the good standing The Bahamas has with Canadian
banks.
The Bahamas is Canada’s second largest trading partner in the region.
