Less than a month after the Luxury Property Showcase in Shanghai where he offered a presentation on waterfront properties in The Bahamas to some 5,000 invited high net worth attendees, leading real estate broker Mario Carey and a successful Chinese entrepreneur called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell to discuss the country’s growing ties with the Asian market. Also in the January 3 meeting – Daniel Lowe, the MCR Chinese consultant resident in Bejing where he is studying International Trade. Lowe, who is proficient in Mandarin, was a key facilitator for Carey’s presentation in December.
“We were very pleased that the Minister was so receptive to the visit,” said Carey, CRS, CLMHS, “but 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 open endless possibilities in property sales, development, trade, agriculture and manufacturing.
“There is so much we can learn from each other,” said Carey, who is considering opening an office in China. “It was an honour to meet with someone as successful as Alan Chen and to hear the Minister reassure all of us in the meeting that whatever route we took in strengthening our ties with China, the government of The Bahamas would be supportive.”
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, one of only 2% of industry professionals with a degree in real estate.
“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 regions, The Bahamas is moving in a positive direction.”
Carey is so upbeat on Chinese business potential, he has had sales materials, print and online, translated into Mandarin. His website contains basic information about The Bahamas in Mandarin along with various listings in Ocean Club Estates, Old Fort Bay and other high end or exclusive offerings. His Shanghai Luxury Property Show presentation on exclusive waterfront and beach properties including Paradise Island, Old Fort Bay, Lyford Cay and private islands was in both English and Mandarin.
“Even before it opens to the public as a mega-resort, Bahamar is proving to be a major influence in terms of demonstrating the power of Chinese economic impact on the Bahamian economy,” said Carey. “We are appreciative of Bahamar for opening a window to a new world. Now it is up to us to be ready so we do not let this opportunity slip through our fingers.”
Headquartered on Bay Street in Nassau, MCR was founded in 2008 with a few staff members, Today, the firm which specializes in luxury properties particularly in Ocean Club Estates, has nearly 30 agents and support staff with representatives from Bimini to Long Island. In late 2013, Carey completed his 100th transaction in Ocean Club Estates.
Diane Phillips and Associates
Caption: MCR President Mario Carey, far right, pays a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, 2nd from right, January 3 along with Chinese entrepreneur Alan Chen, 2nd from left, and Daniel Lowe, the MCR Chinese consultant resident in Bejing where he is studying International Trade. Lowe was instrumental in facilitating Carey’s presentation on luxury waterfront properties in Shanghai last month.
