Bilateral relations Switzerland–Bahamas

Bilateral relations centre on financial services and tourism. Swiss firms consider the general conditions for doing business to be good. Trade between the two countries is limited.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

The Swiss ambassador in Ottawa is accredited to the Bahamas government. Consular matters are handled by the Swiss consulate general in Montreal. An honorary consul represents Switzerland in Nassau.

Treaty database

The Government of the Bahamas

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Economic cooperation

The overall volume of trade is very low. In 2020, Switzerland's imports of goods amounted to CHF 2.1 million and its exports CHF 10 million. Trade is mainly composed of watches, and although the volume of trade is modest, capital flows are considerable. More than 30 Swiss financial institutions are active in this Caribbean state.

Since 1 January 2019, the Bahamas has been a partner country for the automatic exchange of information in tax matters (AEOI). The exchange of information began in 2020.

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers from the Bahamas can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI

Swiss nationals in the Bahamas

At the end of 2020, 328 Swiss nationals were living in the Bahamas, the majority of whom are employed in the financial sector.

History of bilateral relations

In 1973 the Federal Council recognised the independence of the Bahamas and established diplomatic and consular relations in 1974.

The Nestlé food group has maintained a branch in the Bahamas since 1936, and increasing numbers of Swiss bankers and hoteliers have operated in the country since the 1950s. In 1973 there were two branches of Swiss banks. By 2018 this number had risen to 30.

Bahamas, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)  

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

Last update 26.01.2022

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