WASHINGTON, DC., Sept. 13, 2024 – Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who is also Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, is heading a delegation currently in Washington, D.C., promoting investment opportunities aimed at boosting economic growth in The Bahamas.
The four-day forum, which got underway on Thursday, is being hosted by the Bahamas Embassy, under the theme “Rediscovering The Bahamas: Its Potential and Investment Opportunities.”
“The Government remains committed to maintaining our status as a premier destination for tourism and investment,” said DPM Cooper. “This forum presents a crucial opportunity to showcase the wide range of investment opportunities in our country, from infrastructure and renewable energy to maritime and agriculture. Our ongoing efforts to create a business-friendly environment are supported by regulatory reforms designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.”
The Investment Authority has played a key role in fostering a competitive investment climate that encourages economic growth, job creation, and investor confidence. The government remains focused on balancing the interests of the local community, business partners, and visitors.
Joining DPM Cooper in the delegation are the Hon. Frederick Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Hon. Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs; and senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
The forum will include four panel discussions, with a focus on key areas of national economic growth, including sustainable development, technological innovation, and the move toward a digital society. Other topics will explore investment opportunities in real estate, airport modernisation, and eco-friendly tourism, all of which continue to attract major international business partnerships.
As a global leader in tourism, welcoming over 10 million visitors annually, The Bahamas continues to see strong private sector investment. Luxury hotel brands such as Ritz Carlton, Six Senses, and Rosewood are expanding their footprint, while major cruise lines are investing heavily in private island developments, bringing further economic benefits. The government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation strengthens the country’s position as a top destination for both tourism and investment.
In his welcome remarks at the opening of the forum on Thursday, Ambassador Jones said, “Given its proximity to the United States, the depth and breadth of the agile Bahamian economy and the high quality of its governance, we have assembled our leaders in government and professionals in the private sector for a fulsome discussion on the opportunities which abound in our country.
“We in the Embassy have enthusiastically embraced and are carrying out the mission of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work in tandem with the Ministry of Tourism and Investment in the overarching objective to promote investments in The Bahamas in this new era of economic development – one that is sustainable, diversified and inclusive. We recognize that public-private partnerships are essential in driving economic development.”
Ambassador Jones noted that collaborating with the private sector “can leverage resources and talents to implement sustainable projects that create jobs and sustainable growth.”
“In this Forum you will hear of infrastructural development throughout our archipelago as we drive billions of dollars in private sector development throughout The Bahamas; in the words of our Prime Minister, ‘unlocking the economic potential of each of our Family Islands,’ “, Ambassador said. “So as we welcome you today, we have a good story to tell to the nations of the world and the international financial community. A story that we are one of the most progressive countries in the Americas and to let you know how you can share and participate in this progress.”
In introducing DPM Cooper to bring remarks, Ambassador Jones said that for the last three years of the current administration, “we have experienced exponential growth in tourism and new investments, much to the satisfaction and delight of the Bahamian people.”
“These efforts are driven by the Honourable I. Chester Cooper our Deputy Prime Minister. He was elected as Member of Parliament for the Exumas and Ragged Island in 2017 and again in 2021. He is a legislator par excellence who has demonstrated tenacity, vision, and boldness,” Ambassador Jones declared;.
He added, “Mr. Cooper has been hailed as one of the great business and financial minds of our time. He is an established Caribbean businessman with interests in financial services, retail, and commercial real estate. He has studied economics, finance, and accounting in The Bahamas, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and has worked with some of the world’s largest banks.”
