Bahamas and China have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement that Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said represents a “milestone” in diplomatic relations between them.
“Through the signing of this agreement, our tourism industry, which is the cornerstone of this nation’s economy, will be strengthened. With this agreement, The Bahamas will join North America, Europe and Australia as one of the top destinations for over 70 million Chinese tourists who frequently travel internationally.
“Additionally, Bahamians who travel frequently to China for business and tourism opportunities will now be more easily facilitated,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell and China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Xie Hangsheng, Thursday signed the agreement that allows Bahamian and Chinese nationals to travel unrestricted without a visa for up to 30 days.
Mitchell said it was evident that both countries were in an important stage of economic and social development, with Nassau on the brink of an economic leap forward nearing the completion of the Baha Mar project and with China’s phenomenal growth and status as the world’s second strongest economy.
He said the signing of the agreement would indicate that the two countries have “great” bilateral relations and in the future there will be further talks on technical and economic agreements.
“This agreement is not only a great bilateral achievement, but is also a critical step towards the realisation of the government’s policy for visa-free travel for Bahamians,” Mitchell added.
The Chinese Government minister said the agreement was a new step in the bilateral relationship between the countries.
“It will facilitate the people-to-people exchanges between our two countries. More and more Chinese visitors and investors will come to the beautiful Bahamas,” said Xie, who prior to signing the accord held talks with Prime Minister Perry Christie and agreeing on how to further improve their relations.
The Bahamas and China have shared diplomatic relations since May 1997.
Source-CMC
