SALVADOR, Brazil (CMC):

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday called for consideration to be given to the deepening of 'south-south' cooperation in areas of transport, energy, education and tourism.

Speaking during the second plenary session of the Latin American and Caribbean Summit on Integra-tion and Development, here in Brazil, Ingraham pointed out that "by developing more air and sea links between our nations, we can advance trade that can encourage further economic growth and development of our region".

Rich tradition

The Bahamian leader also called on the region to mount new efforts to help its people to conserve energy, saying it would not only help environment, but also assist them financially.

He further noted that the region has had a rich tradition in education, adding that "with focused effort, aimed especially at reducing education cost, we can give many more of our region's young people access to advance education and help them realise their potential".

While the Caribbean currently gets most of its visitors and second-home owners from North America and Western Europe, he asked "why not more Latin Americas?"

"Today, we access the vast majority of our imports from North America and Western Europe - why not Latin America?" he questioned.

In acknowledging the cooperation which already exists between Latin America and the Caribbean, he noted that Brazil has been a stabilising force in Haiti and that Caribbean countries continue to benefit from the Petro Caribe agreement with Venezuela.

Non-borrowing members

He also highlighted the important contribution of Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela as non-borrowing members of the Caribbean Development Bank - the region's premier lending institution, in which Brazil is now formalising its membership.

He further pointed to support received by the Bahamas from Costa Rica, Cuba, Brazil and Argentina, in areas such as education, health and construction.

"Opportunities for greater cooperation and south-south collaboration abound. Moving forward in these areas is in our hands," he said.

"Opportunities for greater cooperation and south-south collaboration abound. Moving forward in these areas is in our hands."