The Tribune

The Bahamas-China Friendship Association (BCFA) is hoping to “open doors” for this nation ‘s private sector by using its recent trip to strengthen trade and business ties between the two nations.

BCFA executives met, and held discussions with, leaders of The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), including its vice-chair, Yu Ping, and deputy director-general, Han Meiqing.

The CCPIT, located in Beijing, is also known as The China Chamber of International Commerce. It represents a large economic and trading bloc that comprises millions of organisations and enterprises.

Philip Simon, the Bahamas-China Friendship Association’s president, said the official meeting with the vice-chair and his team has the potential to generate import-export opportunities for both countries.

“The CCPIT is very influential,” he explained. “The Bahamas-China Friendship Association, through its relationship with the group, can open doors for Bahamian businesses to work with enterprises in many sectors, including technology and alternative energy.

“China has a lot to offer, not just in trade but in cultural and educational exchanges. Right now it is a matter of us utilising this relationship.”

CCPIT’s Mr Ping said: “China-Bahamas cooperation has great potential, and the healthy and stable bilateral relations will bring more opportunities for success in business circles on both sides.

“The CCPIT is willing to assist in furthering cooperation between the two countries in the fishing industry, bilateral trade and other aspects.”

Mr Simon added: “There are Bahamians who already do business in China. We want that to work both ways when it comes to import and export.

“Next year we plan to host a conference with Chinese and Bahamian professionals to give the wider Bahamian community the tools they need to conduct business in China.”

The Bahamas-China Friendship Association, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2014, will also host a conference next year entitled, ‘Doing Business in China’.

There will be participation and support from the CCPIT and The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

Formally established on September 29, 2004, the objectives of The Bahamas China Friendship Association are to promote goodwill and people-to-people contact, plus understanding of the two countries through cultural exchanges and the study of the language, culture and history of both countries.

Objectives also include the promotion of economic and trade opportunities, and entrepreneurial development, through participation in trade fairs and investment tours.