The Bahamas participates in the Ministerial Conference of the Fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Hainan, China

left to right: Ms. Julie Campbell, The Bahamas Minister Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China; The Honourable Jamahl Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Her Excellency Paulette Bethel, The Bahamas Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China; and Mr. Jaden Swain, Trade, Economic and Development Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

From September 12-14, 2024, The Bahamas participated in the Ministerial Conference of the Fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, held at the Boao Forum for Asia International Convention Center (BFA ICC) in Qionghai City, Hainan Province. The Forum was co-hosted by the People’s Republic of China, Ministry of Commerce, and the Government of Hainan Province.

The Conference focused on strengthening economic and trade ties between China and the Caribbean, with a commitment to building a China-Caribbean community with a shared future. Government officials and business leaders from both sides, alongside the Assistant Secretary General of the Caribbean Community, gathered to share insights and build consensus on advancing bilateral relations. The Forum included a welcome Banquet, a Ministerial Conference, and Specialized Dialogues between Caribbean trade experts and Chinese enterprises.

At the Conference, The Bahamas emphasized the importance of cooperation in several areas:

  • Promoting climate resilience and sustainable development, particularly through the Global Development Initiative (GDI)
  • Expanding trade relations in sectors such as medical tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure development, agricultural technology, and electric vehicles
  • Strengthening institutional ties between the Ministry of Commerce of China and The Bahamas’ Ministry of Economic Affairs, along with its associated body, the Bahamas Trade Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Strengthening ties between The Bahamas and Hainan Province at both governmental and private sector levels

In addition, the Bahamas delegation also held dialogues with private Chinese enterprises in the construction, renewable energy, and tourism sectors. These discussions explored opportunities for collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a sustainable and resilient future for The Bahamas, furthering the relationship between China and The Bahamas.

The delegation was led by The Honourable Jamahl Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and included Her Excellency Paulette Bethel, The Bahamas Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China; Ms. Julie Campbell, The Bahamas Minister Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China; and Mr. Jaden Swain, Trade, Economic and Development Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.