Canadian investors take a central role in the Investing section of the July issue of The Bahamas Investor magazine.

Foreign direct investment from The Bahamas’ northern neighbour has totalled around CND$11.7 billion (US$12.4 billion) over recent decades, mainly in the areas of construction, financial services and insurance.

“Our relationship with Canada is a very close one,” says former Scotiabank managing director Barry Malcolm. “Canada’s economic system, plus the fact that it is a commonwealth country, like The Bahamas, makes for a very easy and comfortable relationship.”

Given the strength of its banking sector and relatively sound economic performance, Canada is still viewed as a robust market for The Bahamas, as witnessed by the recent high-powered trade mission to Calgary and Toronto, headed by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

In an address during the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation’s 2010 fall/winter ad campaign held in Toronto, Director General of Tourism David Johnson summed up The Bahamas’ relationship with Canada, not only in terms of tourism, but also for the overall economy.

“We in The Bahamas remain cognizant of the contributions that Canadians have made, and continue to make, throughout The Bahamas; foremost in tourism arrivals, but also in education, trade, real estate and aviation,” he said. “The link between our two countries has been strengthened over the last century and continues into the future.”

To read the full article on Canadian investment ties pick up a copy of The Bahamas Investor. Order a free copy online by filling in your details in the box on the left. View the full issue online from next week.