Bahamas Travel Guide - Business

• GDP: US$6.6 billion (2006).
• Main exports: Salt, aragonite, chemicals, fish, fruit and vegetables and beverages.
• Main imports: Foodstuffs, manufactured goods, vehicle parts, hotel, restaurant and medical supplies and electronics.
• Main trade partners: USA, EU, Canada, Venezuela and Netherlands Antilles.

The Bahamas' stable, free-market-orientated government relies heavily on tourism, which provides around 60% of GDP. Since 2003, the economy has grown steadily with unemployment, an ongoing problem, falling below 10% in 2006. A booming real estate sector has attracted thousands of American, European and Asian investors. Today the Bahamas is one of the Caribbean’s most affluent nations and achieved a GDP of $US8.3 billion in.

A sizeable offshore banking sector accounts for around 15% of GDP, although the financial sector has come under pressure since the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) instigated a tightening up of monetary laws. According to the IMF, the future looks bright for the Bahamas, with GDP set for 4% growth in 2008 in real terms – despite the financial woes of the US.

Normal courtesies are observed, ie appointments are made and business cards are exchanged. Business attire is smart-casual, normally trousers or skirt with a collared blouse or shirt.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Conference venues can seat from 15 to 3,000 people. Audiovisual equipment available for hire includes: LCD projector and screen, overhead and slide projectors, TVs, VCRs, and CD players, multiple channel mixers and more. Information may be obtained from the Bahamas Tourist Office or the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in Nassau.

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce
Shirley Street and Collins Avenue, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Tel: 322 2145.
Website: www.thebahamaschamber.com