NASSAU, BAHAMAS- China’s top diplomat in The Bahamas is bullish on deepening trade ties, citing a 158 percent jump in bilateral trade to $1.27 billion in 2024 as a sign of growing momentum in goods, services, and green technology.
During a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy, China’s Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, said the record trade figures reflect increasing collaboration and opportunity between the two nations. She noted a growing appetite for Chinese electric vehicles, building materials, and consumer goods in Bahamian households, while more Bahamian entrepreneurs are pursuing direct partnerships and expo opportunities in China.
“I remain optimistic about enlarging or expanding trade between The Bahamas and China,” said Ambassador Yan. “When I talk about trade, I think not only of goods trade but also service trade, in which The Bahamas has a lot of competitive advantage. I do see an increase year-on-year in trade volume between our two countries.”
She said the 2024 trade total—from January to December—hit $1.27 billion, a 158 percent increase over the previous year. “We see more and more Chinese-made daily consumer goods, household materials, and electric vehicles entering the lives of many people, enriching choices, reducing living costs, and contributing to public well-being,” she said. “Personally, I’m not surprised by this increase.”
Ambassador Yan attributed China’s growing global trade influence to its competitive pricing and quality manufacturing. “China has become the largest trading partner for over 140 countries, and our total goods trade has ranked first in the world for seven consecutive years,” she said. “Chinese products are of high quality and low price and are welcomed by people in various countries.”
She added that China ranks first in the world for output in more than 40 percent of the world’s 500 major industrial products, which gives Chinese goods a strong competitive edge and reinforces the foundation for continued trade growth with The Bahamas.
“I’m also optimistic because I see the efforts by The Bahamas to diversify its trading and investment partners. China just wants to be one of your multiple partners,” she said. “More and more Bahamian entrepreneurs are willing to go to China to establish cooperative relationships.”
Ambassador Yan said around 100 Bahamian entrepreneurs travel to China each year to engage with Chinese counterparts and attend events like international import and supply chain expos. “Their interest is growing,” she said, adding that she has also held talks with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce about expanding cooperation.
She cited a Grand Bahama company’s recent move to set up a warehouse in China as an example of steps being taken to improve direct trade, which she called “very encouraging.”
Ambassador Yan also highlighted green technology as a key growth area. “I see great potential in green trade,” she said. “China has a very competitive advantage in products like solar panels, rotor belts, and wind power.”
She noted that Chinese electric vehicles are becoming more common in The Bahamas and represent a promising opportunity as the country transitions to cleaner energy.
Ambassador Yan pointed to Bahamian exports such as lobster, rum, and handicrafts as having strong appeal in the Chinese market. “These are very high-quality and well-known products,” she said. “With efforts from both sides, I hope Bahamian products will have a growing presence and a positive impact.”
