Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) executives sought to attract non-US investment from firms in the manufacturing, value-added and distribution sectors when they attended a Las Vegas conference.

Freeport’s quasi-governmental authority, in a statement, said it was an exhibitor at Source Direct during ASD Market Week, which was held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from August 3–6, 2025. It added that its Invest Grand Bahama team highlighted the strategic advantages of Freeport’s tax and duty exemptions to the companies it was targeting.

The GBPA said the event served as a platform for promoting investment, generating high-quality leads and facilitating direct business-to-business engagement to support its existing licensees. It added that Freeport’s established framework, including no and low tax policies, the GBPA’s ease of doing business and a dedicated business concierge service, are designed to facilitate 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.”

The GBPA said its presence was intended to create opportunities for the more than 2,000 businesses operating in Freeport’s retail sector. It added that Source Direct provided a valuable platform for match-making, 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, the GBPA’s 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.” The GBPA reiterated that its presence at Source Direct resulted in numerous new connections, friendships and networks that are expected to translate into long-term strategic partnerships.