Business & Economy
UK Confirms Sugar Quota Policies, Securing Key Benefits for Belize’s Sugar Industry and Cane Farmers
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is pleased to announce a positive development for Belize’s sugar industry following the UK’s recent decision to maintain its current Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) for raw cane sugar. There will be no increase in access for suppliers who are not part of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). This decision, shared by the British High Commissioner, preserves critical market access for Belize’s sugar exports in 2025, providing substantial benefits for the country’s sugar sector, especially Belize’s dedicated cane farmers.
Government
Strengthening Belize Fisheries Governance and Management Effectiveness in Belize’s Blue Space
To ensure the successful and timely delivery of Belize’s conservation commitments, the Belize Fisheries Department was equipped with a Toyota Hilux Vehicle and eight laptops to effectively monitor and ensure compliance with fisheries laws - an essential step in protecting Belize’s valuable marine areas and supporting productive fisheries and livelihoods.
Community and Society
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tours construction site of the San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital
On Wednesday, October 30th, Taiwanese Foreign Minister His Excellency Dr. Lin Chia-lung concluded his official visit to Belize with a stop in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. His government is financing the construction of the San Pedro and Caulker General Hospital. During this visit, Dr. Chia-lung, accompanied by his delegation and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Her Excellency Lily Li-wen Hsu, received a construction site tour to assess the progress. They were also joined by Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Able Francis Fonseca, and Prime Minister Honorable Dr. John Briceño.
Government
Belize Delegation Attends IMF and World Bank 2024 Annual Meetings
The Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, led the Belize delegation for the 2024 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) held in Washington, D.C. from October 21 to 26, 2024.
Government
2025 Public and Bank Holiday Schedule Announced
On Monday, October 21st, the Government of Belize officially announced the public and bank holiday schedule for 2025. These holidays, as outlined in the First and Second Schedules of the Holidays Act (Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011), will be observed on specific dates throughout the year 2025, in accordance with Section 3 of the Act.
Government
Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change Presents its 2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on the Country’s Progress Towards Implementation of the Sustainable...
The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change (MSDCC) successfully launched Belize’s 2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the Ministry’s Auditorium, a synergistic event organized by the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) in partnership with the United Nations (UN) in Belize.
Government
Alma Pinelo participates in Defense Conference in Argentina
Lieutenant Commander and Acting Vice Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), Alma Pinelo, affectionately known as Almita when home in San Pedro Town, joined the Belize delegation that attended the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas, which took place in Mendoza, Argentina, from October 13 to 16. The delegation was led by Belize’s Minister of National Defense and Border Security, Honorable Florencio Marin Jr., and included Minister of State Honorable Oscar Mira and Colonel Anthony Velasquez, Deputy Commander of the Belize Defense Force (BDF).
Government
Government of Belize Discusses the Swing Bridge Replacement Project with JICA
The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), welcomed the JICA Survey Team (JST) during a press conference to discuss the Swing Bridge Replacement Project on October 16.