NASSAU, Bahamas — As she highlighted increased trade between The Bahamas and China, Chinese Ambassador Dai Qingli said yesterday that negative commentary surrounding the countries’ relationship has hindered further cooperation, The Nassau Guardian reported on Wednesday, May 4.
Dai noted that China has become an important source of foreign trade and investments for The Bahamas.
“According to our statistics, last year, China-Bahamas trade reached $492 million, an increase of 40 percent year on year,” she said on Guardian Radio’s “Z Live” with Zhivargo Laing.
She noted that while there has been significant collaboration between the two countries in recent years, Dai said some factors are preventing greater cooperation, including a lack of direct interactions and mutual knowledge, due in part to geography and the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said more networking among companies and a greater familiarity with each other’s markets is needed “if we are to tap into the cooperation potential”.
“Furthermore, we are diverted from time to time by negative comments and sentiments about China-Bahamas relations,” she continued.
“Looking to the future, I truly believe that we can accomplish much more by working together. The need for cooperation has never been greater in a post-COVID era.”
Dai’s comments came as The Bahamas and China celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Dai said the two countries have a relationship comprised of mutual need and mutual benefits.
“Over the past 25 years, China and The Bahamas have treated each other with equality, mutual respect and non-interference,” she said.
Dai acknowledged that there is increasing “fears and anxieties, and even paranoia about China in some quarters in the west”. See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/ambassador-china-bahamas-trade-up-40-percent/
