Pará discusses investments and strengthening bilateral relations with the Bahamas
Representatives of the island nation in the Caribbean region met with the Secretary of Economic Development, Mining and Energy (Sedeme)
The Secretary of State for Economic Development, Mining and Energy (Sedeme), Paulo Bengtson, received on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 26, the Senator of the Bahamas, Barry Griffin, and the Minister Counselor of the Bahamas to the Organization of American States (OAS), Mikhail Bullard.
The meeting focused primarily on attracting investments and strengthening bilateral relations between the State of Pará and the Bahamas. Also participating in the meeting were Sherry Brom Rodrigues, Director of Industry, Commerce and Services Development at Sedeme (DDCIS), and advisor Leonardo Lobato.
The discussions addressed cooperation in the areas of tourism, port infrastructure, and the export of meat and derivatives. The negotiations aim to tighten commercial ties, in accordance with international policies and current legislation on import and export.
Paulo Bengtson presented the economic potential of Pará, highlighting some of the main state differentials. Among them, the energy potential, the livestock, agriculture, mining sectors, as well as strategically positioned port infrastructure. The secretary also emphasized the state government's tax incentive policy, pointing them out as strategic instruments to attract investments and boost regional economic development.
“The government of Pará has been seeking to diversify its economic matrix, encouraging new productive sectors and creating an attractive environment for investments. One of the central focuses is the verticalization of production, taking advantage of the wide availability of raw materials to add value locally. It is essential to attract industries that promote this verticalization, generating jobs, income, and sustainable development,” added Bengtson.
Senator Barry Griffin, in turn, highlighted the expertise of the Bahamas in the tourism sector and its advanced port infrastructure, capable of handling large volumes of trade and offering logistical solutions on international routes. “We are interested in strengthening commercial ties with the State of Pará, especially in strategic areas that promote mutual benefits,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Minister Counselor Mikhail Bullard reinforced the interest in expanding partnerships also in the educational area, mentioning the University of the Bahamas as a key institution to foster academic and cultural exchanges, strengthening ties between the territories through knowledge sharing.
New fronts of cooperation
In the end, it was determined that the representatives of the Bahamas will formalize their areas of interest for investments in the State of Pará. The Secretary of Economic Development, Mining and Energy (Sedeme) will be responsible for articulating these demands with other competent state agencies, in alignment with the identified opportunities.
Additionally, Senator Barry Griffin invited the head of Sedeme and the technical team to closely explore the tourism potential of the Bahamas, as well as the port infrastructure. "This experience will further enrich the collaboration between our regions, highlighting investment and development opportunities that can be beneficial for all," he said.
