FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – President Mbeki and his delegation traveled to Grand Bahama as part of his five-day state visit to the Bahamas.
According to the South African media reports, exports from that country are steadily growing throughout the world. But according to President Mbeki, the distance involved in Caribbean trade exploits has remained a difficult hurdle to overcome.
He said, “The question has always been shipping and who would be able to carry things on these long distances, but little did we know that problem has already been solved.
Throughout the Caribbean there is constant reference made [to the] need for South Africa to increase its trade relations and to increase investment opportunities in both directions.
“But I think the answer is there – Freeport in Grand Bahama. [Freeport] can become a hub which can then reach into other parts of the Caribbean.”
The Container Port services Cape Town, South Africa on a weekly basis carrying mostly wine shipments to various destinations.
South Africa is the fifth largest exporter of wine to Britain.
The president said one of the substantive wine producers in South Africa is a Bahamian, whose company produces 100,000 cases of wine, mainly for export each year.
The Grand Bahama Shipyard, the largest ship care facility in the Americas, also imports steel from South Africa. South African steel exports reportedly rose by 42 percent in early 2003.
Willie Moss, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, said expansion plans at the shipyard could translate into increased business from South Africa.
“We are currently negotiating for a third dry dock which will be able to take the largest ships in the world,” she said. “And so if we get the third dry dock, then certainly the amount of steel we purchase will also increase correspondingly.”
Drawing reference to the lessons learned on his visit to the Bahamas, President Mbeki touted Freeport’s cohesive private/public sector partnerships, its clean environment and its modern infrastructure.
He noted that the building of an industrial centre such as Freeport is an interesting concept whose framework could be of great benefit to the South African business community.
The president also extended an invitation to Grand Bahama Port Authority Chairman Edward St. George to speak to South African businesspersons on the “soul” of Freeport and on how the private and public sectors can work to produce positive results.
Prime Minister Christie, who was a part of the delegation visiting Freeport Tuesday, praised the president for his commitment to the development of a “non-racial” South Africa.
He noted that commitment and tenacity are also what is needed of Bahamians so that the country can accomplish the nation’s various goals and objectives.
President Mbkei toured the Freeport Harbour and Container Port before returning to New Providence Tuesday afternoon.
Sharon Williams, The Bahama Journal
