Government of Belize

On the 23rd of October, the Government of Belize announced a significant initiative to lower the cost of some medicines used to treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This move aims to improve the affordability of vital pharmaceuticals for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which impact many Belizeans nationally.

To address staffing shortages in the country’s healthcare system, particularly in anticipation of the new hospital being built in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, the Government of Belize has launched an ambitious initiative to train more Belizeans for careers in healthcare.

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Transformation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, and the Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations, is proud to announce the approval of a BZD$3 million grant from the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE). This significant funding underscores Belize’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

The Government of Belize, through the Office of the Prime Minister, in partnership with BELTRAIDE, the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), the Belize Tax Service (BTS), the Belize Companies & Corporate Affairs Registry (BCCAR), the Economic Development Council (EDC), the Ministry of Local Government and City/Town Councils, is pleased to announce the extension of the MSME Tax Amnesty Programme until December 31, 2025.

The Government of Belize has announced a landmark acquisition of three major hydroelectric plants and a significant stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) from the Canadian company Fortis Inc. The official announcement came on October 16th, with the government swiftly tabling a bill in the House of Representatives seeking parliamentary approval for the purchase. The three hydro plants—Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca—are situated along the Macal River and collectively provide over a third of Belize’s electricity.

After months of speculation, the Government of Belize revealed on Friday, October 17th, that it is on the verge of finalizing a migration agreement with the United States of America (USA). Under this deal, dubbed a Safe Third Country Agreement, Belize would allow asylum seekers in the USA to be transferred to the country while their cases are being processed. The government emphasized that this would occur only under strict conditions.

At its meeting on October 14th, 2025, Cabinet endorsed the Government’s agreement with Fortis Inc. for the purchase of its hydroelectric assets and 33.3% stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), with a Bill to be tabled in Parliament for approval. Cabinet also approved several national initiatives, including funding to electrify schools in rural Orange Walk, rehabilitation of the Belize City and Belmopan bus terminals, and reduced import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles to promote a green transition. Additional approvals included support for Belize’s upcoming WTO Trade Policy Review, accession to key WIPO treaties, amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and the procurement of new solar and natural gas energy projects.

Belize is advancing its transition to renewable energy with the signing of a major power purchase agreement between Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and Blair Athol Power Company Limited. The deal paves the way for the construction of a 15-megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar plant with a 1.5MW battery energy storage system in the northern Corozal District. Once completed, the project is expected to help reduce the country’s overall electricity costs.