The Government of Belize has successfully concluded its Fourth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The review provided a comprehensive assessment of Belize’s trade policies aimed at promoting transparency, openness, and predictability in global trade. WTO members recognized the country’s resilience, steady economic recovery, and commitment to digital transformation and sustainable development.
The review highlighted Belize’s recovery and proactive response to climate and economic shocks. Despite COVID-19 and Hurricane Lisa, the country rebounded and continued to grow.
WTO members noted that Belize’s reforms are anchored in its National Trade Policy (NTP), which incorporates gender as a cross-cutting element and aligns trade facilitation reforms and energy investments toward a common goal of building an inclusive, resilient, and competitive economy.
Members welcomed Belize’s ongoing efforts to modernize its trade regime, including progress toward implementing a Trade and Investment Electronic Single Window and reforms to the trade licensing framework aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Belize was also commended for its transition toward a digital and blue economy, including the Blue Bond initiative, partnerships that have trained over 1,000 women in digital skills, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, which is expected to strengthen energy infrastructure and the education system.
Key discussion points raised by WTO members focused on improving notification compliance, reducing trade costs, and strengthening institutional capacity. Belize acknowledged delays in some technical reporting requirements and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing transparency and meeting its obligations.
Addressing these areas will improve transparency, strengthen investor confidence, reduce the cost of doing business, and enhance Belize’s overall competitiveness in global trade.
As next steps, Belize will implement a time-bound post-review workplan aimed at strengthening transparency, reducing trade costs, and advancing its digital agenda. In parallel, the Government will leverage its renewed permanent presence in Geneva to deepen engagement and play a more active role in the multilateral trading system.
The Belizean delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Harold Young, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations Office in Geneva, supported by a technical team from the Directorate General for Foreign Trade, including Ms. Tricia Gideon, Deputy Director General, and Ms. Jessica Cuellar, Trade Economist.
Ambassador Young emphasized Belize’s resilience and called for continued international support for small and vulnerable economies, while members praised the review as constructive, transparent, and reflective of Belize’s positive trajectory.
The post Belize concludes 4th World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
The Government of Belize has successfully concluded its Fourth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The review provided a comprehensive assessment of Belize’s trade policies aimed at promoting transparency, openness, and predictability in global trade. WTO members recognized the country’s resilience, steady economic recovery, and commitment to digital
The post Belize concludes 4th World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
