The Government of The Bahamas and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on Thursday, April 11 signed an agreement for The Bahamas to host the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the third edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) in Nassau from June 12 – 14.
At the signing ceremony, which took place in Nassau and was live streamed to reach a global audience, Bahamas Prime Philip E. Davis said hosting both the AAM and ACTIF “demonstrates the determination and commitment of The Bahamas to leverage on the shared history, identities, and cultures of AfriCaribbean nations to forge significantly greater trade, investment, and direct transport linkages.”
“Doing so will stimulate economic growth and development, which will feed through to immensely beneficial societal impact,” Davis said. “It is also vital that we enhance our global influence by speaking with a unified voice on matters such as securing global action to meaningfully address climate change.”
Professor Benedict Oramah, president and chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, said it is a “historic decision to hold the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings in The Bahamas, [which] will be the first time it has been held in the Caribbean.”
“There is a hugely positive outlook for many African and CARICOM countries – as demonstrated by the IMF’s forecast that seven African countries and one CARICOM country will be in the top 10 fastest growing economies globally – so cementing closer links between the two regions is of clear mutual benefit to accelerate growth and prosperity,” Oramah said.