The Tribune

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) welcomed the new Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yuan Guisen, on his first official visit to Grand Bahama.

GBPA president, Ian Rolle, said the visit was beneficial as Freeport looks to expand its logistics and trans-shipment capabilities to an even wider market.

“The model for Grand Bahama is centred on distribution,” Mr Rolle said. “We are strategically located and offer the facilities and concessions that would be attractive to international businesses.”

Possibilities for manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, assembly plants, shipping, executive education and alternative energy were some of the points discussed during the brief interchange.

In late 2011, upon the invitation of the Chinese Embassy, a team from GBPA traveled to Yiwu, China, to promote the extension of the Yiwu International Trade City to Freeport.

With the visit of the new ambassador, there is hope this project may once again be put on the table for discussion.

Reflecting on his visit, Ambassador Guisen said: “I hope to work as a bridge between Chinese businesses and the Port Authority.

“There are quite a number of opportunities to be explored, and I will recommend them to respective companies back home.”