The Commonwealth of The Bahamas joined the People's Republic of China in celebrating its 62nd anniversary at which both countries highlighted bilateral accomplishments since diplomatic ties were formed in 1997.
A reception marking the founding of the People's Republic of China was held Wednesday, September 28, at the Sheraton Cable Beach Resort, where both sides made toasts as a signal of goodwill and continued cooperation.
The list of dignitaries was headed by His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Lady Foulkes; high ranking government officials, and members of the Diplomatic Corp. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Brent Symonette and His Excellency Hu Shan, Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas acknowledged the strides made in diplomatic relations.
Symonette reiterated the country's "deepest gratitude" to China for donating $300,000 to the Hurricane Irene relief efforts, and a number of computers to the C.I. Gibson Senior High School, amongst other financial contributions to Bahamian civil society.
"Assistance on such basic levels of society instills a respect and gratitude that transcends borders and thousands of miles," Symonette said.  He said China has made great strides since September 2010, surpassing Japan to become the world's second largest economy.
China's total Gross Domestic Product reached 20.44 trillion RMB Yuan in the first half of the year, increasing by 9.6 percent compared to the same period of last year.  Total foreign trade volume from January through August was 2.35 trillion (US) dollars, an increase of 25.4 percent, of which export volume was 1.22 trillion, up by 23.6 percent, while import volume was 1.13 trillion, up by 27.4 percent."
China's development has allowed for increased bilateral dialogue between Beijing and Caribbean states, as well as a renewed commitment to financial assistance and investment in tourism, trade and civil society of this region.  Our own Baha Mar resort and airport gateway projects attest to this," Symonette said.
October 2010, Hubert Ingraham, prime minister, led a Bahamian delegation to China where they observed developments between Bahamian and Chinese citizens at the Shanghai Expo.  Also established was The Bahamas Maritime Authority, in the special administrative region of Hong Kong.
"These visits afforded opportunities to view the deepening relations between our nations on the ground, reaffirm commitments to individual and bilateral development and demonstrate the benefits of increasingly frequent high-level exchanges," Symonette said.
As joint projects and agreements progress to implementation and fruition, he said it is hoped they will reflect the positive cooperation of both nations.

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