In a Paradise Island setting worthy of a magazine cover for the elite, Mario Carey Realty hosted an intimate farewell luncheon last week for His Excellency Hu Shan, Ambassador from the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas.

“We wanted to honour Ambassador Hu Shan and thank him for the commitment he and his nation have made to The Bahamas, and do so in a personal way, expressing friendship and appreciation,” said Carey, founder of the boutique real estate firm with a team of 28 working throughout The Bahamas. “Without a doubt, the connection between China and The Bahamas will continue to deepen as years progress and it is our pleasure to let you and your Embassy staff members know that we will do all we can to ensure in our own small way that you are appreciated.”

If the tone of the two-hour luncheon in an Ocean Club Estates residence listed for $22 million were cordial and informal, there was no question that business was in the air. The ambassador, who in the past has said The Bahamas would benefit from economic diversification, noted the potential impact of Bahamar, but re-emphasized agriculture and linkages, including property sales and leasing. Direct flights, and a relaxation of Visa requirements, he said -- both in the works – would add immeasurably to the cementing of a two-way tourism and business trade.

Carey assured the ambassador his firm was preparing for closer ties.

“Our website has been translated into Mandarin,” he told Hu Shan and the members of the Chinese Embassy who were invited to the event. “Some of our agents and associates are studying the language, two of our agents were just in China and Terrinique Pennerman, MCR Marketing Manager, and I will be attending the Luxury Property Showcase in Shanghai this December. We strongly believe the Bahamas-Chinese connection is going to be very important to our country going forward.” MCR has already engaged the services of a consultant in Bejing.

“Now we would like to encourage Bahamian-Chinese persons to study real estate and prepare for a great future with MCR,” Carey said.

Last month, the leading broker marked a milestone, his 100th transaction in Ocean Club Estates, including the single largest sale of lots in the exclusive enclave with the privacy of a neighbourhood minutes from access to all the amenities of the world-class resorts of Atlantis and the One & Only Ocean Club. But few properties have ever equaled in design, construction and materials the elegance of the $22M estate Sea Level where the luncheon was held.