Bahamas seeking Spain's assistance to join WTO

The Bahamas is seeking the support of Spain for full membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes has said.

The Head of State made the request as he accepted the Letters of Credence from the Jamaica-based Spanish Ambassador María Celsa Nu-o García.

"The Bahamas would welcome the support of the Kingdom of Spain for a fair and universal solution to the existing international financial architecture, as well as for the full accession as a member of the World Trade Organization," Sir Arthur said, noting that both countries share a mutual commitment to and an appreciation of the benefits of multilateralism and regional integration as mechanisms to intensify the pursuit of prosperity, particularly in the face of the challenges of globalisation.

Offering assistance

Spain is also offering assistance in tourism, culture and energy technology and the visiting diplomat noted that the two countries share a commitment to democratic values.

"The recent signature in March this year of a bilateral agreement for exchange of information related to tax matters is the best testimony to our mutual commitment to transparency in line with the international trend for a new economic governance."

Ambassador Garcia, who also met with Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Brent Symonette during her visit, said that there are a number of areas where both countries could and should explore closer cooperation, such as renewal energy/environmental protection, energy security and diversification.

"The Bahamas has great potential and has already taken important steps in this regard with the recent inauguration of a bio-diesel plant," she said.

- CMC