NASSAU, The Bahamas -Mr. Michael Halkitis, chairman of Bahamas Agriculture Industrial Corporation (BAIC), said on Thursday (March 23) a Cuban trade mission currently in The Bahamas will provide Bahamian companies and individuals an opportunity to interact with the Cuban business community and sample Cuban-made products.
Mr. Halkitis spoke at a press conference to announce the Cuban trade mission, being held through March 31 at the Riu Hotel, Paradise Island.
“Bahamians has already established a keen interest in the boat building industry and construction industry in Cuba, so hopefully a wider range of industries maybe examined by Bahamian businessmen from this trade mission,” he said.
His Excellency Felix Wilson, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba said, over the years, Cuba has tried to strengthen relations with The Bahamas, especially in the area of trade as a result the second Cuban Trade Mission.
“The first Cuban Trade Mission was held in 2002, which was very successful, and we are counting on the support of BAIC and The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce to ensure the success of this year’s trade mission,” he added.
Ms. Mirtha Aller, Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba, commended BAIC and The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce for their cooperation.
“The Cuban Trade Mission was organized by the Cuban Chamber of Commerce because of The Bahamian market as a possibility to enhance trade relationship,” Ms. Mirtha said.
More than 23 Cuban companies and 30 businesspersons are participating in the trade mission and will seek to establish and continue trade relations with Bahamian businesses.
Economic sectors that will be represented are the environment, handicrafts, construction industry, gourmet and textile industry, furniture industry, fishing, boat construction, music recording, electronic industry and cosmetic industry.
Mr. Philip Simon, executive director of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is pleased to cooperate with BAIC and Cuban Chamber of Commerce and hope that the Bahamian business community attends the trade show.
He said that, in not so distant future, Bahamians can be a part of a trade show to Cuba so as to establish a bi-lateral trade between Cuba and The Bahamas.
“We look forward to very fruitful agreements in the next few months” Mr. Simon said.
Mr. Errington Watkins, a local businessman, said the Cuban agricultural system would be of major interest to The Bahamas in its effort to grow vegetables year round.
“We could also learn their banana cultivation system to revive our banana industry like that of Cuba, who supplies the entire Caribbean,” he said.
