BELMOPAN, Belize, MC – The Belize government says it has “successfully” concluded its fourth trade policy review at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.
“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 government said in a statement.
It said that the review highlighted Belize’s recovery and proactive response to climate and economic shocks and that 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.”
The statement said that 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 to enhance efficiency and reduce 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.”
The statement said that 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,” the statement said, adding that as next steps, Belize will implement a time-bound post-review work plan 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 statement noted.
The Belizean delegation was led by Dr. Harold Young, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations Office in Geneva, who emphasized Belize’s resilience and called for continued international support for small and vulnerable economies. At the same time, members praised the review as constructive, transparent, and reflective of Belize’s positive trajectory.
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