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Last Updated: Nov 13, 2019 - 4:04:22 PM |
Prime Minister Minnis: New Belgium Embassy and EU Mission to strengthen Bahamas’ position in global economy
By Office of the Prime Minsiter
Nov 13, 2019 - 3:54:38 PM
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BRUSSELS, Belgium – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis officially opened The Bahamas Embassy and Mission to the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Ambassador of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, Her Excellency Maria A. O'Brien also brought remarks. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
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BRUSSELS, Belgium – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis today officially opened The Bahamas Embassy and Mission to the European Union (EU), hailing the move as a way to deepen relations with the EU and strengthen the country’s position in the global economy.
The opening marks a milestone for The Bahamas by increasing the country’s profile on continental Europe and signalling that The Bahamas is open for business, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Brussels hosts the headquarters of the main EU institutions and is considered the capital of Europe. The Bahamas Embassy and Mission is located near the European Parliament.
(BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
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“The Bahamas has always had an understanding of the importance of our presence in the seat of the European Union and in the Kingdom of Belgium,” said the Prime Minister during the opening ceremony on Wednesday 13 November.
The new Mission will allow for increased trade between The Bahamas and Belgium and will enhance its diplomatic, economic, touristic and cultural ties with the EU and Belgium, said Prime Minister Minnis.
As a maritime nation and archipelago, The Bahamas is prepared to take advantage of the offers of Belgian expertise in maritime affairs to enhance the maritime industry, said the Prime Minister.
The opening of the Embassy also demonstrates the deep commitment of The Bahamas to its long-term relationship with the European Union, and a desire for the further development of the relationship, he said.
And the Mission will allow for the enhancement of the relationship with the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and the process with the European Union (ACP-EU).
(BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
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“With the EU as one our major economic partners, working alongside the ACP-EU will allow for further sustainable development for The Bahamas as well as the strengthening our position in the global economy,” said Prime Minster Minnis.
“We will promote the Islands of The Bahamas as an attractive and stable investment opportunity in a number of sectors, including tourism, financial services, the Blue Economy and other industries.”
The Prime Minister noted that The Bahamas offers an attractive and diverse suite of economic opportunities for potential investors.
The Bahamas passed the latest assessment by the OECD, confirming that the jurisdiction is a safe place for financial services and corporate investment
activities, and the domestic legal framework of The Bahamas is in line
with international standards, said Prime Minister Minnis.
(BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
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“Our presence here in Brussels will help to enhance our relations with a number of European nations, including potential technical and other assistance in areas such as education, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructural development and other areas,” said the Prime Minister.
“This includes accessing funds committed to the Green Climate Fund by European countries and other groupings.”
The Prime Minister thanked Member-States of the European Union who provided assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
“We look forward to ongoing assistance in our recovery and reconstruction efforts, as we will rebuild the affected areas stronger and more resilient in the face of even more powerful storms and rising sea levels,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister repeated his call for visitors to the many other islands in The Bahamas not affected by Hurricane Dorian. “The revenue from tourists visiting The Bahamas will play a vital role in reconstructing and rebuilding affected areas.”
Her Excellency Maria O’Brien is the first resident envoy to Belgium.
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