The Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minster of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening!
Today, I am very pleased to be here and witness the Topping off of Condominium and Opening of Entertainment Center of THE POINTE. On behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I would like to express my warm congratulations to China Construction America and my sincere gratitude to all the Chinese and Bahamian staffs who have made contribution to this project. Since the completion of the Baha Mar project last year, THE POINTE has been the largest cooperation project between China and The Bahamas and the largest investment by Chinese companies in The Bahamas. Located in downtown Nassau, THE POINTE will surely contribute to the upgrading of the city center and the future economic growth of The Bahamas. I am glad to know that THE POINTE project, once completed, will create about 500 jobs for local Bahamians. Here I appreciate the Bahamian government and companies who have supported this project and China-Bahamas friendly cooperation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Currently, China-Bahamas relations have maintained a momentum of sound development. Since China and The Bahamas established diplomatic relations 21 years ago, the two sides have frequent visits and exchanges at all levels, and the mutual political trust of two sides have been deepened. The economic and trade cooperation between our two countries has increased remarkably and several major joint projects have been built. The Baha Mar Project opened successfully and attracted a large number of tourists, created five thousand jobs and made significant contribution to the economy of The Bahamas. With China's concessional loans, the Nassau Airport Expressway and North Abaco Port Project have upgraded the infrastructure of The Bahamas. The exchanges and cooperation in fields of education, culture, sports and health have been deepened continuously. China has provided full government scholarships for nearly one hundred Bahamian young people and has funded hundreds of Bahamians to attend short-term training and degree programs in China. The friendly cooperation have brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy. Over the past four decades, profound changes have taken place and remarkable achievements have been made in China. China will remain committed to opening-up, continuously deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the whole world and make its contribution to the world economy.
The Bahamas is China's important partner in Latin America and Caribbean region. China is willing to deepen the bilateral cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, information technology, tourism, agriculture and new energy, and expand bilateral trade and financial cooperation on the basis of the platform of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese government will support more Chinese companies to invest in The Bahamas and encourage more Chinese tourists to visit this beautiful country.
I am glad to tell you that the negotiation on the direct flight agreement between China and The Bahamas had concluded and hopeful this agreement will be officially signed soon. The arrangement of exporting live lobster from The Bahamas to China has reached the final phase. In November, the Honourable Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Dionisio D'Aguilar, Minister of Tourism, will lead a delegation to attend the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai. I am sure that this important visit will inject new vitality to our bilateral trade.
Looking into the future, China is willing to work hand in hand with The Bahamas to further deepen our bilateral cooperation and promote the China-Bahamas friendship to a new high.
Thank you!