Thursday, March 28, 2024

Belize Delegation Participates in World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings

Share

On April 10, 2021, a Belizean delegation participated virtually in the World Bank/IMF’s Spring Meetings. Led by Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, the delegation included Mrs. Narda Garcia, CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Mrs. Elvira Mendez, Belize’s Counsellor to the IDB’s Office of Executive Directors.
In his address to the virtual forum, Minister Coye highlighted the critical condition of the nation’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by a drought that decimated crops in 2019 and 100-year floods caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020. In numbers, he explained, “the effect has been dramatic with economic contraction exceeding 14%, debt-to-GDP skyrocketing to 130%, unemployment approaching 30%, fiscal revenue shortfall near 30% and a primary deficit around 8% of GDP.”
Minister Coye also pointed to the pressing discussion of debt relief that must take a position of priority, noting that “as challenging as Belize’s experience has been, as a deemed middle-income country (MIC), Belize, like other MICs, has not been a beneficiary of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative. Belize has not been the recipient of resources under the IMF’s Rapid Credit Facility. Belize is not likely to be eligible under the Common Framework. Belize has not been the beneficiary of any debt relief whatsoever.”
In closing, Minister Coye expressed the hope, on behalf of small states like Belize, for meaningful debt relief, grant and concessionary funding to successfully avert the dual debt and climate crises with a view to long-term climate resiliency and sustainable economic recovery and transformation.

Read more

 

Please help support Local Journalism in Belize

For the first time in the history of the island's community newspaper, The San Pedro Sun is appealing to their thousands of readers to help support the paper during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1991 we have tirelessly provided vital local and national news. Now, more than ever, our community depends on us for trustworthy reporting, but our hard work comes with a cost. We need your support to keep delivering the news you rely on each and every day. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Please support us by making a contribution.

Local News