American goods and services tend to be favored by Bahamians due to cultural similarities and heavy exposure to American advertising. The Government of The Bahamas welcomes foreign investment in tourism and banking and has declared an interest in agricultural and industrial investments to generate local employment, particularly in white-collar or skilled jobs. Despite its interest in foreign investment to diversify the economy, the Bahamian Government responds to local concerns about foreign competition and tends to protect Bahamian business and labor interests. As a result of domestic resistance to foreign investment and high labor costs, growth can stagnate in sectors which the government wishes to diversify. The country's infrastructure is best developed in the principal cities of Nassau and Freeport, where there are relatively good paved roads and international airports.
Electricity is generally reliable, although many businesses have their own backup generators.
In Nassau, there are two daily newspapers, three weeklies, and several international newspapers available for sale. There also are five radio stations. Both Nassau and Freeport have a television station. Cable TV also is available locally and provides most American programs with some Canadian and European channels. Merchants in southern Florida have found it profitable to advertise in Bahamian publications.