Prime Minister Perry Christie highlighted The Bahamas’ openness to Caribbean nationals, as the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) annual general assembly conference got underway on November 27 at the British Colonial Hilton.

The Bahamas has always been welcoming toward its Caribbean neighbours, said Christie, the keynote speaker, noting that descendants of Jamaicans and Haitians have played important roles in the development of the nation.

Christie went on to urge further synergy with in the region in areas such as tourism and environmental protection.

CAIPA annual general assembly is hosted by Caribbean Export Development Agency in its role as the CAIPA secretariat.

It forms part of the regional private sector programme funded by the European Union and in collaboration with The Bahamas Investment Authority.

CAIPA was formed in 2007 with the objective of enabling collaboration among the CARIFORUM investment promotion agencies (IPA).

Its aim is to strengthen the region’s visibility as an attractive destination, provide joint marketing opportunities, facilitate customized training for its members, and give them access to reliable information.

The theme of this year’s two-day conference is Strengthening our Foundation, Expanding our Reach.

Government officials in attendance included Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis, Minister of Health Perry Gomez, Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder, Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle, permanent secretaries, heads of departments and representatives from the financial services industry.