The Tribune

A Florida destination has launched a three-day commerce and investment mission to Freeport in a bid to explore trade and business opportunities in The Bahamas’ second city.

Hosted by the City of Freeport Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Grand Bahama through Sister Cities International, the three-day mission will feature entrepreneurs, investors and business owners from Riviera Beach who travelled to Grand Bahama on Monday, February 9. 

The group was led by Douglas Lawson, mayor of Riviera Beach, and included Council members from West Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa Rahming, the minister of urban renewal and community relations, who is also acting minister for Grand Bahama, told the mission’s opening cermony that the relationship between Freeport and Riviera Beach represents more than a Sister Cities arrangement. She said it is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that can translate into economic advances, commercial co-operation and shared prosperity.

“In today’s inter-connected world, economic growth requires more than local and national resources,” said Ms Rahming. “It requires strategic partnerships, international co-operation, innovation and a willingness to explore new opportunities. This trade mission provides an important platform for government officials, business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs like yourselves to connect, exchange and identify areas of mutual interest.”

Ms Rahming added that the mission’s success will be determined not only by its three days of discussions, but also by the opportunities that will be created plus the actions which representatives from both countries are prepared to take in the future. “Let us identify practical areas of co-operation, establish meaningful business connections and develop partnerships that can be sustained long after this gathering is over,” she said.

“Through this collaboration with the City of Freeport Council, this trade mission represents another important step towards strengthening Grand Bahama’s international connections and showcasing the opportunities available on this beautiful island.”

Ms Rahming pointed to some of the significant economic advantages that Grand Bahama possesses - its strategic location near the US, established maritime infrastructure, industrial capabilities and tourism commerce.

“All of it provides a strong foundation for expanded trade and investment,” she said. “The Ministry for Grand Bahama remains committed to advancing initiatives that strengthen the island’s economic landscape, attract investment, support businesses and create meaningful employment opportunities for Bahamians.

“We must explore opportunities in international trade, tourism, logistics, technology and entrepreneurship. Equally important, we must ensure that Bahamian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are positioned to benefit from these partnerships that we will create.”

Ms Rahming gave credit for the trade mission collaboration between Freeport and Riviera Beach to Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, who served as a chairman in Sister Cities International, and who has pushed for the relationship between Freeport and other international organisations, including the Chamber of Commerce in Riviera Beach.

“Her vision is for these relationships to create practical opportunities for businesses, cultural, tourism, educational and humanitarian exchanges that benefit communities across The Bahamas,” said Ms Rahming.