Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis led a recent delegation to Toronto to mark the opening of his country’s newest consulate.

“We are eager to work together with Canada to further strengthen our trade relationship, attract foreign direct investment and explore mutually beneficial opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology,” the prime minister said in his address at the official opening.

“These partnerships will not only contribute to the prosperity of both our countries, but also promote sustainable development. By working together, we can enhance our collective resilience and create a brighter future for all,” he noted.

“Bilateral merchandise trade between our two countries amounted to $367.4 million in 2021, with Canadian direct investment to date in The Bahamas, primarily by Canadian banks, totaling $23.1 billion,” he pointed out.

“In addition to our thriving trade relationship, Canada and The Bahamas also benefit from valuable partnerships in the realm of development. Our countries have worked closely on initiatives aimed at promoting climate and economic resilience, sustainable governance and the advancement of gender equality,” he said.

“It is vitally important for The Bahamas to continue to invest in growing its official presence in Canada,” Davis noted.

“We are committed to forging partnerships with countries like Canada who share our vision for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future,” he added.

“As the Bahamian-Canadian connection grows stronger, so too must our ability to officially represent and serve the Bahamian diaspora here in Canada,” Davis said.

“We recognize that the Bahamian diaspora is an important resource for our country and we hope that with the addition of this new consulate, we will continue to expand our ability to provide opportunities for consular and diplomatic support as well as facilitate and foster national and cultural connections,” he noted.

Davis urged Bahamians living in Canada to register with the closest Bahamian consulate or the High Commission in Ottawa.

“This will help the consul to remain in a state of preparedness to best serve you, should the need arise,” he told them.

Davis also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “his leadership on regional issues in the Caribbean.”

The Bahamas Consulate General in Toronto, located in the Yonge Eglinton Centre, is headed by Consul General Al Dillette.