Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Business & Economy

CEFAS Hosts Aquaculture Workshop for Shrimp Farmers

An aquaculture workshop was held on February 7, 2022 at the Tilapia Hatchery Center in Central Farm, Cayo District, for shrimp farmers. The workshop was facilitated by Grant Stentiford and Matthew Sanders, aquaculture experts from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), an agency under the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom.

Launch of Matching Grant Program for Tourism Small and Medium sized enterprises

On Monday, January 31, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officially launched a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) interested in applying for Grant Funding under the “Matching Grant Program for Tourism Small and Medium Sized Enterprises”.

25 Caye Caulker residents’ complete sea salt production and seaweed farming training

On Wednesday, January 26th, a group of 25 Hicaqueños celebrated their completion of a diversification training, helping them with the skills to utilize the island’s resources for sustainable livelihoods such as the production of sea salt and seaweed cultivation. The program was made possible through the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Caye Caulker’s Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) chapter.

Expect to pay more for goods if tensions between stevedores and Port of Belize is not resolved

The cost and even the availability of certain goods may be significantly affected in the coming days due to disruptions at Port of Belize Limited in Belize City. A stand-off between the port and stevedores led by the Christian Workers’ Union had led to an industrial action that has stalled the shipping services at the country’s busiest port. If not adequately addressed, the situation could have dire financial consequences for the country’s economy.

IDB Invest Supports Manufacturing Sector in Belize with Recinos

IDB Invest has provided a $1 million loan to Recinos, a large distributor of select and international brands of imported goods in Belize, to expand its operations in the manufacturing sector and support supply chain resiliency.

Official ground-breaking ceremony for upcoming Marriott Residences Ambergris Caye

Another luxurious beach resort under the Marriott’s Hotel signature brand is coming to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. On Friday, January 14th, a ground-breaking ceremony took place at the site where the Belize Marriott Residences Ambergris Caye will stand. The project calls for an over 200-unit hotel, branded residences, and conference facilities, among other top-notch amenities for its guests.

Belize to benefit with millions from foreign aid to help micro, small and medium enterprises

Belize could see between $US200 and $US500 million in grant funding from an independent United States Government foreign aid agency called Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). This funding, expected in 2023, would aid the nation’s economic development and last for five years.

Despite COVID-19 challenges, tourism is bouncing back

The current high tourism season is reportedly experiencing a good reception, with many stakeholders across the country reporting one of the busiest periods since the pandemic began in 2020. Although businesswise, things may be looking better, the new COVID-19 variants are a growing concern once again. With the increase in infections, potential visitors may think twice and hold off on making reservations or postpone their trips. There is also the concern to keep staff COVID-19 free. Stakeholders have been discussing better ways to deal with tourists testing positive, suggesting new ideas that would benefit both visitors and hotels.