The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) successfully concluded its participation as an exhibitor at Source Direct at ASD Market Week, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from August 3–6, 2025. The Invest Grand Bahama team focused on attracting non-U.S. based companies in manufacturing, value-addition, and distribution, highlighting the strategic advantages of Freeport’s unique tax and duty exemptions. The event served as a crucial platform for promoting investment, generating high-quality leads, and facilitating direct business-to-business engagement to support our local licensees.
The 2025 global trade environment has been marked by significant uncertainty, but these dynamic shifts have strategically positioned Grand Bahama for growth. Freeport’s established framework, including no and low-tax policies, GBPA’s ease of doing business, and a dedicated business concierge service, creates a prime environment for project-ready investors.
“In today’s complex global landscape, resilience is key,” said Derek Newbold, GBPA’s Chief Investment Officer. “The GBPA is not just responding to global changes; we are leveraging them. Our participation at Source Direct has reaffirmed that our value proposition – especially our tax-free status, strategic location, and logistical advantages, is more compelling than ever. We’ve had a phenomenal response from dozens of exhibitors and attendees who see Freeport as a stable, efficient, and welcoming platform for expansion into North American, Caribbean, and South American markets.”
Another key focus of the mission was creating opportunities for the more than 2,000 businesses operating in Freeport’s retail sector. Source Direct provided a valuable platform for matchmaking, connecting local licensees with new suppliers and distributors to enhance their product offerings and strengthen supply chains.
“We came to Las Vegas to build new relationships that directly benefit our licensees,” said LaShawn Dames, Business Development Manager. “The connections we made here with vendors and distributors will provide our local businesses with access to a wider range of high-quality goods, enabling them to expand their inventories and increase profitability. This direct engagement is a cornerstone of our economic development strategy, creating tangible benefits for the Freeport community.”
GBPA’s presence at the event resulted in numerous new connections, friendships, and networks that are expected to translate into long-term strategic partnerships. The Invest Grand Baham team remains committed to promoting an environment ripe for foreign direct investment, while simultaneously supporting and strengthening its existing licensee base.
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