The Tribune

Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Grand Bahama Development Company (Devco) executives welcomed Mohamed Abdulla Al-Rumaihi, Qatar ambassador and special envoy to the Bahamas, during his first official visit to the island.

The visit was part of a two-day fact-finding mission that followed the signing of official diplomatic relations in August between the Bahamas and Qatar.

The GBPA’s president, Ian Rolle, said: “There is heightened interest among many of the nations in that region to diversify their economies away from oil and gas.

“As they now look to invest offshore, Grand Bahama is poised to reap the benefits due to our many advantages.

“We want to capitalise on what we have, the superior infrastructure that has already been put in place that is by far one of the best in the region,” Mr Rolle added.

Ambassador Al-Rumaihi said a major purpose of his visit was to confirm all they had previously heard about investment opportunities in Grand Bahama.

“It is very important for us to come and see what is available here,” he said. “We are looking abroad to develop long-term investment interests for Qataris, but also to help other people develop themselves.”

Of particular interest were talks focused on the expansion of trade and logistics facilities on Grand Bahama, and real estate.

“We are interested in exploring maximum opportunities for enterprise. The more information you can give us about your ideas for development, stirs our interest and confidence to come and look at the opportunity further and explore whether it is right and of value to us,” the Ambassador added.

GBPA and Devco executives now look to welcome members of Qatar’s investment authorities during future visits to the island for further discussions on Grand Bahama’s development.