The Bahamas Strengthens Agricultural Ties with China through Coconut Innovation
Hainan, China – May 21, 2025 – During an official visit to the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) in Haikou, Hainan Province, Minister of Immigration and National Insurance, the Hon. Alfred Michael Sears, praised China’s advancements in coconut research and highlighted the importance of deepening agricultural cooperation between The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China.
While touring CRI’s flagship facility, also known as the “Kingdom of Spring Coconut”, Minister Sears described the experience as “extraordinary,” underscoring how the institute’s technology and innovation can directly benefit The Bahamas. “One coconut can create over 300 different products,” he noted. “In The Bahamas, the coconut is part of our culture. It’s in our cuisine, our crafts, and of course, our tropical drinks. With the sustainable technologies developed here, we have the opportunity to modernize how we produce and preserve this essential crop.”
The visit forms part of a broader diplomatic mission to strengthen bilateral relations under the China-CELAC Forum. Minister Sears, accompanied by H.E. Paulette Bethel, Ambassador of The Bahamas to China, and a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a series of meetings with officials from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), and the Hainan Provincial Government.
Sears emphasized that this partnership aligns with The Bahamas’ national development goals, particularly in the areas of food security and economic diversification. “Last year, The Bahamas hosted over 12 million tourists and spent more than $1 billion importing food, primarily through the United States,” he stated. “If we can reduce our food import bill through strategic partnerships like this one, we can redirect national resources toward education, healthcare, and sustainable development.”
CRI officials expressed enthusiasm for future collaboration, including potential training programs, joint research initiatives, and technology transfer to help revitalize The Bahamas’ agricultural sector, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and youth entrepreneurs.
The visit also highlighted cultural diplomacy, as Minister Sears reaffirmed that coconut farming is not only an economic activity, but a symbol of Bahamian heritage. “This is a product rooted in who we are. By preserving and enhancing its production, we protect our identity and invest in future generations.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs looks forward to connecting The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources with CRI and CATAS on concrete areas of cooperation, including training, processing, and research into climate-resilient crop varieties.
