The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS is positioning itself as a gateway for Canadian companies seeking to expand into the Caribbean, while pushing to connect Bahamian businesses and services to that nation’s growing international supply chains.

The Bahamas Trade Commission advanced the proposal during a high-level visit to Toronto, where its chairman and chief trade negotiator, Barry Griffin, presented this nation as a potential commercial partner in Canada's efforts to diversify its international trade.

The Commission said it is seeking a stronger two-way trading relationship in which Canada would provide an expanded export market for Bahamian goods and services, while Canadian businesses could use The Bahamas as a platform to reach Caribbean consumers and the millions of visitors who travel to the country each year.

Mr Griffin said the ambition extends beyond simply increasing bilateral trade, with The Bahamas seeking to connect its businesses to Canada's broader international commercial network.

“We want Bahamian companies, products and services to be part of Canada’s international supply chains,” he added, pointing to Canada's expanding commercial reach into Europe, Asia and Latin America as an opportunity for Bahamian businesses to become connected to those markets.

“At the same time, The Bahamas can be a base for Canadian companies reaching the Caribbean and beyond,” said Mr Griffin.

He added that the country's financial and professional services sectors could support Canadian companies establishing regional operations, while Freeport could play a role in the movement of Canadian goods into new markets.

“Freeport has the potential to serve as a transshipment hub for Canadian goods moving to new markets,” said Mr Griffin. The proposal therefore places trade, investment, financial services and logistics at the centre of the Bahamas-Canada commercial relationship, with the Commission seeking opportunities that can benefit businesses in both countries.

“Canada is a promising market for Bahamian exports, and The Bahamas is a valuable market for Canadian goods and services,” said Mr Griffin. “Our ambition goes further. We want to be a full-service jurisdiction within Canada’s international trade strategy.”

The Commission's Toronto visit included participation in the Caribbean-Canadian Investment Summit & Trade Forum 2026, along with meetings with Canadian government officials, the City of Brampton and representatives of Canada's Trade Commissioner Service working in the Caribbean.

The discussions are expected to continue around export promotion, investment, financial services, shipping and logistics, as well as opportunities for companies in both countries to work together.

The Commission said the focus now is on identifying specific projects and commercial opportunities that can turn the proposed partnership into practical business activity.