Real estate broker Mario Carey, president of Mario Carey Realty (MCR), and Chinese entrepreneur Alan Chen called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell to discuss the country’s growing ties with the Chinese market.

Daniel Lowe, the MCR Chinese consultant resident in Beijing, also attended the January 3 meeting.

“We were very pleased that the Minister was so receptive to the visit,” said Carey.

“Even more pleased to hear him declare that we cannot overstate the importance the fast-growing Chinese market will have on the Bahamian economy in years to come.”

According to Carey, strengthening Sino-Bahamian ties will not only help this nation’s number one economic driver, tourism, but will also open endless possibilities in property sales, development, trade, agriculture and manufacturing.

A change in the law that will allow Chinese visitors to stay in The Bahamas for 30 days without a visa is expected to take effect this spring.

“We want to attract buyers from the Asia Pacific region and we believe the easing of visa restrictions will go a long way in helping us make that a reality,” said Carey.

“Government has done its part in easing restrictions, but it is up to us in the private sector to be aggressive in seeking out the Chinese market whether that individual is a visitor or a potential investor, showing respect and providing an experience that meets or exceeds expectations. With plans to facilitate a direct flight from the Asia Pacific region in the near future, visa exemptions and the Bahamian initiative to facilitate investors from the region, The Bahamas is moving in a positive direction.”