Belize Trade and Investment Development Service

Making business happen for Belize’s thriving economy

BELIZE TRADE AND INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Supported by strong blue, green, and orange economy policies, a record low unemployment rate, and government initiatives to support small business growth, Belize’s economy is thriving

Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Joseph Perfitt

Since 2024, Belize has seen continued economic growth, primarily driven by tourism, a strong business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, and consistent performance in agriculture.

Tourism remains the primary source of foreign currency, with the sector directly contributing to around 12 percent of GDP and employing an average of one in four Belizeans.

In addition, BPOs continue to offer stable, well-paid jobs for young professionals and graduates, with an estimated 20,000+ people employed by the sector.

As a result, unemployment hit just 2.1 percent in

September 2024, further decreasing to 1.9 percent the following September, reflecting a historically low rate for the country.

The agriculture industry, meanwhile, has always provided a key source of livelihood for Belizeans as more than half the population live in rural areas, capitalizing on the country’s abundance of sugar, bananas, citrus, and seafood as its primary exports.

Today, agriculture plays a central role in Belize’s MediumTerm Development Strategy (MTDS) 2022-2026 as a driver of economic growth and food security.

As such, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and New Growth Industries is looking to align the sector more closely with MTDS to ensure increased, sustained, and diverse production for the years ahead – building resilience against climate change and developing regional trade policies.

Elsewhere, Belize’s blue economy, which champions sustainable development and the responsible use of coastal resources to drive economic growth, continues to thrive and has even been leveraged to afford national economic prosperity.

A Blue Bond transaction in 2021, for example, enabled the country to significantly reduce national debt while generating $180 million for marine conservation in the country.

Looking ahead, Belize’s economy is poised for continued growth and on track to deliver on the expectations set out in Horizon 2030 – a national development framework launched in 2010 – which calls for a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy that embraces and promotes key productive sectors and the blue economy.

INTERVIEW:

Belize Trade and Investment Development Service

We revisit the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service with Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, who updates us on how the nation’s economy has evolved over the past 18 months and why the organization is poised to support value creation through targeted investments, export development, and workforce readiness

North America Outlook (NA): In light of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service’s 25th anniversary in 2025, could you outline your continued focus on business development, investment, and coastal community empowerment?

Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director (IQ): As the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) marks its 25th anniversary, our focus remains firmly anchored in building a resilient, inclusive, and diversified economy.

Over the years, our mandate may have evolved, but our core mission remains consistent – to support Belizean businesses both locally and abroad, attract responsible investment, and ensure that economic growth translates into real opportunities for communities.

In recent years, we’ve placed deliberate emphasis on

empowering coastal and rural communities through targeted support in the blue, green, and orange economies.

This has included capacity-building initiatives such as maritime-related training, sustainable livelihood programs linked to tourism and fisheries, and support for environmentally responsible enterprises.

Our green enterprise efforts are complemented by the other services we provide, including investment facilitation and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development, export readiness, and support for strategic partnerships.

We cannot deliver these transformative initiatives alone, making openness to partnership essential. Together, this ensures that local communities are not merely participants, but true beneficiaries of Belize’s development trajectory.

Leading with Confidence, Designing for Longevity, and Providing Global-Standard Investment in Belize

Over the past quarter-century, Belize has undergone a quiet but significant transformation. Once viewed primarily as a niche destination for small-scale development, the country is now attracting a broader range of international investors seeking opportunities in hospitality, mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects. As investment expectations rise, so too does the demand for architecture and construction that meet global standards of quality, performance, and execution.

At the forefront of this evolution is Arguelles Architects Limited (Arguelles Architects), a Belize-based architecture and design firm, founded by Daniel Arguelles, whose leadership, experience, and body of work reflect both the country’s growth and its increasing readiness to compete on the global stage.

A 25-Year Perspective on Belize’s Growth

With more than 25 years of professional experience, Arguelles has witnessed Belize’s development landscape mature firsthand. This long-term perspective is central to the firm’s approach –providing not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of how the country has evolved and where it is headed.

“We have seen Belize grow in real time,” Arguelles explains. “From a period when options were limited, to a point where the country is now capable of delivering sophisticated, high-quality developments. That experience allows us to guide investors with confidence.”

This continuity of experience has allowed Arguelles Architects to adapt alongside the market, refining its methods, expanding its capabilities, and aligning its standards with international best practices. For investors, this translates into a partner who understands both legacy constraints and emerging opportunities – an invaluable combination in a developing but rapidly advancing market.

A Smaller World, Expanded Design Possibilities

One of the most significant shifts shaping Belize’s development potential is global connectivity. Advances in digital tools, access to international consultants, and improved supply chains have dramatically expanded what is possible in local design and construction.

“The world has become smaller,” Arguelles notes. “Today, we have easier access to design tools, professional agents, and construction materials

from around the world. This allows design to improve exponentially and gives investors far more options to align projects with their vision.”

Arguelles Architects has embraced this reality, integrating global design thinking with local knowledge. The firm leverages modern design technologies, international coordination methods, and globally sourced materials – while remaining grounded in Belize’s climate, regulations, and construction practices.

This balance allows the firm to deliver architecture that feels contemporary and competitive on an international level, yet practical and appropriate for its location.

Leadership Through Proven Delivery

Arguelles Architects is widely regarded as a leader within Belize’s architectural industry, not by aspiration alone, but through demonstrated results. The firm’s portfolio shows that larger, more ambitious, and higher-quality projects are attainable in Belize –a message that has been critical to improving investor confidence.

The founder’s professional experience includes the design and project management of nationally and commercially significant developments, such as the Belize Civic Center, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, the Alaia Resort in San Pedro, and the Fort George Hotel. These projects represent

milestones in Belize’s civic, commercial, and hospitality development, each requiring a high level of coordination, quality control, and long-term vision.

“Projects of that scale and visibility set expectations,” Arguelles explains. “They demonstrate what is possible, not just for one client, but for the country as a whole.”

Through this experience, Arguelles Architects has helped raise the benchmark for design and construction in Belize, proving that the country can support projects comparable in quality and complexity to those found in more established markets.

Design Excellence Rooted in Build Quality

At the core of Arguelles Architects’ philosophy is a simple but critical belief: design quality must translate into construction quality. Architecture is not viewed as an abstract exercise, but as a process that directly affects how buildings are built, how they perform, and how long they last.

Rather than prioritizing unnecessary complexity, the firm focuses on clarity, proportion, and thoughtful design solutions that contractors can execute efficiently and to a high standard. This approach supports smoother construction processes, fewer disruptions, and more consistent outcomes.

“Design only matters if it can be built well,” Arguelles says. “Our responsibility is to make sure the vision on paper becomes a building that performs in reality.”

Arguelles Architects maintains close involvement throughout the construction phase, working collaboratively with contractors and consultants to ensure that design intent is maintained and quality standards are met. For investors, this level of engagement provides reassurance that their projects are being delivered with care, accountability, and attention to detail.

A Conduit for Investor Vision and Confidence

As Belize attracts more international capital, the role of trusted local partners becomes increasingly important. Arguelles Architects has positioned itself as a conduit through which investor confidence and vision can be channelled into successful built outcomes.

The firm supports clients from early feasibility and planning stages through design development, approvals, and construction coordination. This continuity helps investors navigate unfamiliar regulatory environments, local construction realities, and site-specific challenges.

“Investors want certainty,” Arguelles notes. “They want to know that their project can be built properly, to the quality they expect, and in a way that protects their investment.”

By aligning investor expectations with local execution, Arguelles Architects reduces risk and helps ensure that projects are both achievable and commercially sound.

Project Highlights Across Key Sectors

Arguelles Architects applies its design philosophy and quality-driven approach across a wide range of sectors, including:

Hospitality & Tourism

Drawing on experience from projects such as the Fort George Hotel in Belize City and the Alaia Resort, a Marriott Autograph Hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the firm designs hospitality developments that balance guest experience, operational efficiency, and durability – key drivers of long-term performance in Belize’s tourism market.

Commercial & Mixed-Use Developments

Experience gained through institutional projects such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Belmopan informs the firm’s approach to commercial architecture, where efficiency, adaptability, and longterm value are essential.

Civic-Scale & Complex Projects

Work on landmark facilities such as the Belize Civic Center, Belize City, has shaped the firm’s ability to manage large-scale coordination, infrastructure integration, and multi-stakeholder environments –skills that translate directly to complex developments.

International & Community Projects

In international work, Arguelles Architects delivers modern, site-responsive designs that emphasize comfort, durability, and lasting visual appeal. The Blue Haven Marina, Turks and Caicos, is one such development. Cool stone, resilient timber, and corrosion-resistant metals endure the maritime climate while remaining inviting to the touch.

Generous walkways, shaded lounges, and breezy low structures ensure guests feel relaxed from dock to resort. The result is a marina that ages gracefully –functionally robust and visually timeless against the turquoise Caicos waters.

Competing in the Global Market

Through its projects, processes, and professional standards, Arguelles Architects demonstrates that Belize can now compete within the global development market. The firm’s methods reflect international expectations – disciplined coordination, quality-driven design, and accountability – while leveraging local expertise to deliver realistic, buildable solutions.

This capability has been instrumental in positioning Belize as a destination where serious, long-term investment can succeed.

“Belize is ready,” states Arguelles. “With the right partners, investors can achieve projects here that stand alongside developments anywhere in the world.”

Looking Ahead

As Belize continues to grow and diversify its economy, the demand for well-designed, well-built, and globally competitive developments will only increase. Arguelles Architects remains committed to pushing standards forward – both for its clients and for the country’s built environment as a whole.

“Our role is to continue raising the bar,” Arguelles concludes. “By combining global standards with local understanding, we help investors realize their vision and help Belize move forward with confidence.”

For investors seeking a partner with proven experience, design leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Arguelles Architects stands ready – designing not just buildings, but the future of investment in Belize.

4725/4726 West Landivar, Unit 2 Belize City, Belize (+501) 223-6996 | info@arguellesarchitects.com www.arguellesarchitects.com

“Our role at BELTRAIDE is to help businesses and investors navigate the fluid shifts that continue to surface while still strengthening local capacity to compete and grow”

– ISHMAEL QUIROZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BELIZE TRADE AND INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

NA: What is your updated take on Belize’s economy? What challenges or opportunities have you encountered since we last spoke?

IQ: Belize’s economy continues to show strong resilience, particularly in the tourism, agriculture, and emerging services-based sectors.

Post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery has been encouraging – we’ve seen among the strongest rates

of growth in comparison to some of our regional counterparts, and we’re seeing renewed investor interest alongside steady growth in entrepreneurship, signaling confidence by domestic investment.

At the same time, the global economy presents challenges, including inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, the impact of external tariffs, and trade dynamics.

The effect this has on import costs and competitiveness is real, but these challenges also create opportunities,

and we see growing momentum around economic diversification, value-added production, renewable energy, agro-processing, digital services, and creative industries.

Agri-processing continues to innovate, digital services have seen quite impressive growth, and excitingly, the creative and cultural industries have seen a renaissance for the first time.

These sectors, especially the revival of the creative and cultural industries, have seen a lot of support, appreciation, and respect which our artists, artisans, and musicians really benefit from.

All of this is underscored by the steady growth of MSMEs, which we’ve made great efforts to formalize.

So, Belize is well-positioned to continue to attract investors seeking stable markets, sustainable development models, and access to regional and international markets.

Our role at BELTRAIDE is to help businesses and investors navigate the fluid shifts that continue to surface while still strengthening local capacity to compete and grow.

NA: Can you tell us more about the INVESTBelize Magazine, highlighting Belize’s current investment climate, success stories, and opportunities? What’s in store for the next issue?

IQ: This year, we will produce the ninth edition of INVESTBelize Magazine, which has become a strategic platform for showcasing Belize as an investment destination.

It highlights the country’s strengths, priority sectors, policies, environment, and stories from real businesses and investors that are doing great things.

The magazine also plays an important role in communicating opportunities for diversification, including the green, blue, and orange economies.

As we’re guided by those pathways, the upcoming issue will continue with this focus, but place stronger emphasis on sustainable investment, innovation, and emerging sectors.

In Belize, there seems to be local talent for things like digital service provision, and we are already exporting software development and other high-tech skills, which we intend to grow.

A Balanced Investment Opportunity in

Sustainable Tourism Growth

Belize is no longer simply a beautiful, “undiscovered” destination—it is steadily becoming a market ready for thoughtful investment that aligns value creation with sustainable development. Positioned at the crossroads of Latin America and the Caribbean, Belize serves as a natural bridge between two dynamic regions. Geographically anchored in Central America yet economically and culturally aligned with the Caribbean basin, the country benefits from trade routes, air corridors, and maritime pathways linking North America, South America, Europe, and the wider Caribbean.

This nexus positioning enhances Belize’s appeal as both a tourism and investment gateway. Proximity to major U.S. markets, access to cruise and yachting circuits, and connectivity potential to European and Latin American hubs allow developments to draw from multiple demand streams across hemispheres.

Strong Tourism Growth:

The Data Speaks

Belize’s tourism momentum is measurable.

In 2024, the country welcomed 547,370 overnight visitors, an 18% increase over 2023 and 9% above pre-pandemic levels, outperforming regional averages during that period. Cruise activity rebounded strongly as well, with ship visits rising by as much as 47% year-over-year.

Growth continued into 2025, with preliminary figures reporting 551,681 overnight stays and 967,214 cruise passenger arrivals, reflecting an 8.1% increase in cruise visitation. These figures signal steady destination demand, strengthened itineraries, and sustained market interest. Belize’s recovery is not temporary—it reflects structural resilience and growing global visibility.

Enhanced Connectivity: Infrastructure Supporting Expansion

Accessibility is central to investment confidence, and Belize is strengthening its gateways.

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA), the country’s primary air hub, handled over 1.2 million passengers in 2024, demonstrating expanding connectivity. Ongoing upgrades— including apron expansion, taxiway improvements, and terminal enhancements scheduled through 2026—are increasing operational capacity and improving passenger experience. These enhancements position Belize to accommodate premium leisure travelers, expanded airlift, and growing business aviation interest. Improved access directly supports luxury hospitality, residential development, wellness tourism, and marine-based investment.

Brand Participation: A Market Validated by Performance

Belize’s tourism growth was built not by large-scale chains, but by distinctive boutique hotels—intimate, experiencedriven properties emphasizing authenticity, environmental stewardship, and personalized service. These independent operators established Belize’s reputation for high-value, low-density travel and drove sustained economic growth across coastal and inland communities.

The proven success of this boutique sector is now attracting internationally recognized luxury brands. Confirmed and anticipated brand engagements include:

• Four Seasons Resort & Residences Caye Chapel (anticipated 2026 opening)

• Destination by Hyatt at The Placencia Resort

• Six Senses Belize

Additionally, global and luxury-aligned operators strengthening the market include:

• Marriott Autograph Collection (Alaia Belize)

• Curio Collection by Hilton (Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club)

• The Belize Collection

• The Coppola Hideaways

• Victoria House

• Naïa Resort & Spa

• Cayo Espanto

This blend of international brands and respected luxury collections provides what investors value most: trust infrastructure. Established distribution systems, operational standards, and repeat demand patterns reduce market uncertainty and create clearer performance benchmarks.

Marinas and the Blue Economy: A Strategic Coastal Advantage

Maritime modernization at the Port of Belize is improving cargo efficiency and expanding cruise berthing capacity, reinforcing the country’s role as a regional gateway. At the same time, local investors are advancing marina-focused projects—including Red Rock, Itz’Ana Marina, Blue Reef, and the Commerce Bight expansion—demonstrating strong private-sector confidence in Belize’s growing blue economy and positioning the country as an emerging hub for nautical tourism.

Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, Belize possesses one of the Caribbean’s most valuable marine environments. Yet compared to neighboring destinations, it remains under-served by modern marina infrastructure—creating meaningful opportunity.

Well-planned marina developments can generate diversified revenue through premium berthing, yacht services, waterfront retail and dining, residential components, and curated marine experiences. Strategic locations such as Placencia, Ambergris Caye, and select mainland coastal nodes offer immediate potential, particularly for projects integrating renewable energy, responsible waste management, and environmentally sensitive design aligned with national sustainability priorities.

Medical & Wellness Tourism: An Underserved Growth Segment

Global demand for health-related travel continues to expand across preventive diagnostics, dental care, rehabilitation, elective procedures, and holistic wellness. Belize stands out as an underserved yet strategically positioned market.

With English as its official language, a currency pegged to the U.S. dollar, close proximity to North America, and a growing expatriate and retiree population, Belize provides a natural foundation for medical-wellness integrated development.

Policy frameworks are also evolving. The Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, alongside fiscal incentive amendments designed to attract large-scale investors, provide structured pathways for capital deployment in healthcare and mixed-use developments. These mechanisms support the establishment of accredited medical facilities, clinic-resort partnerships, longevity institutes, and lifestyle communities offering concierge care. This sector offers year-round demand drivers that complement traditional leisure tourism.

A Sustainable Investment Trajectory

Belize’s tourism model emphasizes high-value, low-impact visitation—an approach aligned with global investor preferences for resilience and sustainability. Infrastructure upgrades, brand participation, sector diversification, and policy support are converging to create a more structured investment landscape.

For those pursuing long-term, sustainability-aligned real asset investments in hospitality, marine infrastructure, wellness real estate, aviation services, or luxury residential development, Belize offers measurable growth signals within a framework guided by planning and stewardship. Belize is no longer emerging—it is strategically evolving.

“Belize’s economy continues to show strong resilience, particularly in the tourism, agriculture, and emerging services-based sectors”

–

ISHMAEL QUIROZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BELIZE TRADE AND INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

We need to employ skilled people in those areas here and, of course, encourage and inspire the younger generation to continue to train up.

The upcoming issue will continue this focus, with stronger emphasis on sustainable investment, innovation, and emerging sectors. Readers can expect deeper insights into priority industries, profiles of successful local and international investors, and forward-looking perspectives

BELTRAIDE CORE SERVICES

To effectively facilitate its clients, BELTRAIDE provides the following services:

• Investment and export insights – Providing access to reliable data on investment and export opportunities in Belize and abroad.

• Full investment support – Offering end-toend facilitation as standard at every stage of clients’ investments.

• Ongoing business engagement – Conducting regular site visits to maintain dialogue and solve potential challenges.

• Business development – Supporting businesses one-to-one with marketing and product growth.

• Incentive program management – Guiding and administering when it comes to Belize’s fiscal incentive schemes.

• Strategic partnerships – Connecting with local partners, suppliers, and joint ventures.

• Market research report – Gathering data insights tailored to individual business needs.

on Belize’s economic direction. The aim is to provide both inspiration and practical information for investors and entrepreneurs alike.

And of course, INVESTBelize Magazine is the medium through which we showcase the Belize government’s forward-thinking, pro-business policies that are delivering positive impact.

NA: You launched the 2025–2026 Training Calendar to empower entrepreneurs and boost business skills last year. How is the program creating opportunities for Belizeans to build business capacity?

IQ: The 2025–2026 Training Calendar forms part of BELTRAIDE’s long-standing approach to business development and has been implemented on a fiscal-year basis since 2012.

The Belize Blueprint: Navigating Paradise with Keller Williams

In the world of international real estate, few destinations capture the imagination quite like Belize. It is a land of rhythmic contrasts –where the pulse of the Caribbean Sea meets the ancient whispers of the Maya Mountains. For those looking to do more than just visit, the prospect of owning a piece of this paradise is an intoxicating dream. But as many seasoned investors know, a dream is only as secure as the foundation it is built upon.

We speak to leading Belize Realtor expert Macarena Rose, regional owner of Keller Williams Belize, to understand why this small Englishspeaking nation has become a global magnet for high-end investment and how to navigate its unique landscape safely.

The Visionary Behind the Dream

Macarena Rose is more than just a real estate mogul; she is a pioneer helping shape the professional real estate standards of the country. Having moved to Belize over 22

years ago from Florida, Macarena’s journey was fueled by a desire for a life less ordinary – one shrouded with diversity.

“As someone who moved to Belize over two decades ago with ten rescue animals and two children in tow, I realized early on that the most important factor in a successful relocation isn’t just the property – it’s having a vetted, trusted ‘family’ on the ground to make your Belize dream a reality,” Macarena shares.

When she arrived, the real estate industry in Belize was largely unregulated. Seeing the need for consumer protection, Macarena worked tirelessly to

bring international standards to the country, eventually serving as Vice President of the Land Owners Association and the first President of the Belize National Association of Realtors (BNAR) and bringing the global powerhouse, Keller Williams – the number one real estate company in the world – to Belizean shores.

The Power of Vetted Representation

For the uninitiated, the Belizean market can be a labyrinth. Unlike the US or Canada, there is no centralized Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and licensing requirements are still evolving. This makes the role of an Accredited Buyers Agent not just a luxury, but a necessity.

“In a country where every transaction is personal, you need an advocate who is legally and ethically bound to your interests,” Macarena explains. Keller Williams Belize operates with a concierge mindset, offering vetted representation that guides investors through title searches,

local “strata” and “freehold” titles. This “concierge service” ensures that, whether you are in London, New York, or Dubai, your interests in Belize are being watched over with the highest level of professional integrity.

A Portfolio of Possibilities: From Private Islands to Jungle Retreats

Belize offers a diverse portfolio that few other countries can match. For the high-net-worth investor, the opportunities are as expansive as the horizon.

Private Islands: For the ultimate in seclusion and prestige, private “Cayes” (islands) are available for development or as personal sanctuaries. These are the crown jewels of the Caribbean, offering white sands and immediate access

to the Belize Barrier Reef – the second largest in the world.

Land for Development: With a growing tourism sector and a government that welcomes foreign investment, large tracts of land –both beachfront and inland – offer significant potential for ecoresorts, boutique hotels, or luxury subdivisions.

Seafront and Jungle Residences:

Belize is a “best of both worlds” destination. You can find ultramodern villas in Ambergris Caye or Placencia, where the Caribbean Sea is your front yard. Conversely, for those seeking the healing power of nature, private estates in the Cayo District offer lush jungle canopies, riverfront views, and the serenity of the Maya Mountains.

Where Every Day is an Adventure

What sets Belize apart from other Caribbean destinations is its accessibility to adventure. The “Belizean lifestyle” is not just a marketing slogan; it is a lived reality.

“The beauty of this country is the proximity of its wonders,” says Macarena. “Our clients love the fact that they can go snorkeling or diving on the reef in the morning, and after a short flight or drive, be hiking to a hidden waterfall in the jungle by the afternoon.”

This blend of cultures – Creole, Maya, Garifuna, East Indian, Asian, Mennonite, Arab, European, Taiwanese, North American Latin, and Mestizo – creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where English is the official language, making the transition for North American and European expats remarkably smooth.

Your Trusted Team in the Tropics

Navigating an international move or a multi-million dollar investment requires more than just a salesperson; it requires a team with global resources and local roots. Keller Williams Belize prides itself on being that all-around partner. From the initial consultation and investment analysis to the moment you turn the key in your new home, their team of experts is dedicated to ensuring the process is as beautiful as the scenery itself.

If you are ready to explore the possibilities of life in Belize, don’t walk the path alone. Reach out to the team at Keller Williams Belize to begin your journey with the peace of mind that only the world’s leading real estate brand and Macarena Rose’s decades of experience can provide.

Each year, the calendar is carefully designed to respond to the evolving needs of entrepreneurs at different stages of ideas and growth, from early-stage start-ups to more established enterprises seeking to scale, export, or attract investment.

The calendar consolidates training and capacitybuilding programs delivered across the BELTRAIDE ecosystem, including offerings from the Small Business Development Centre (SBDCBelize) and the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), along with introductory export training from EXPORTBelize and investment information sessions led by BelizeINVEST, particularly on the Government of Belize’s incentives program.

Delivered through a hybrid format, both in person and online, and implemented countrywide, the training calendar strengthens core business skills such as financial management, marketing, digital tools, sustainability practices, and export readiness.

Importantly, these sessions are designed to produce practical outcomes, including stronger business formalization, improved access to finance, increased competitiveness, and better preparedness for investment and market expansion. By operating on a consistent annual fiscal cycle, the calendar ensures that capacity building remains accessible, structured, and aligned with national development priorities.

Arrow Freight Enterprise is a Belize-based shipping and import execution partner specializing in the secure, documented movement of commercial inventory and project materials from the US into Belize. We provide the operational backbone for businesses and investors who require precision, transparency, and reliable on-theground expertise to support their supply chains.

For investors operating under fiscal incentive programs, the complexity often lies where international transport meets local compliance. Arrow Freight focuses on execution at this critical stage, ensuring that approved goods move through the import process efficiently

Opening hours: Saturday: 8am-12pm

and without disruption. Our work centers on translating approvals into action and managing the practical realities at the port so projects are not delayed by administrative or logistical breakdowns.

Arrow Freight handles the import of commercial inventory, office and operational infrastructure, and specialized project materials, coordinating shipping, documentation, and customs clearance with close attention to detail. We routinely manage sensitive and high-value cargo, applying disciplined tracking and documentation controls to ensure accountability throughout the import process. We coordinate the preparation and container loading

Monday-Friday: 8am-12pm, 1pm-5:30pm

of goods prior to shipment, ensuring cargo is organized, documented, and ready for export on a weekly basis.

After arrival in Belize, shipments move to Arrow Freight’s warehouse in Spanish Lookout, Cayo, where items are processed and prepared for release. Clients may arrange delivery through Arrow Freight or choose to collect goods directly from the warehouse.

As a Gold Partner in the 2026 Belize Investment Spotlight, Arrow Freight Enterprise is proud to support the trade and investment activity driving Belize’s growth. We serve as a dependable execution partner on the ground, ensuring approved imports arrive on time, in full, and in compliance with established requirements.

Each year, around the budget, we leverage what other ministries and public agencies might have available in terms of financial resources to deliver in their respective areas of expertise.

NA: BELTRAIDE is currently involved in supporting the development of Belize’s country brand – a national identity that authentically represents its people, culture, environment, and investment potential. Can you tell us more?

IQ: We’re exceptionally excited about this – it is a tremendous privilege to be the lead coordinator. Supporting the development of Belize’s country brand is about creating a clear, unified way for Belize to present itself to the world while strengthening national identity at home. The country brand is designed as a long-term national asset that aligns how Belize is perceived, represented, and recognized across investment promotion, export development, and cultural engagement.

The strategy operates through a dual system. BELIZE serves as the official brand for international representation, bringing exports, investment attraction, and cultural diplomacy under one authoritative identity.

BELIZEAN complements this by fostering domestic ownership, cultural connection, and national pride. Together, they ensure Belize communicates with consistency, credibility, and authenticity.

There are also three pillars of the brand:

• The Blue and Green Vanguard – Focuses on Belize as a global leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

• A Living Mosaic – Represents our country’s many cultures and traditions, woven together by shared values and pride.

• The Uncurated Experience – Showcases Belize’s real, human, and authentic shaped by lived experiences, particularly in tourism.

BELTRAIDE’s role is to help operationalize the brand so it supports economic competitiveness, reduces fragmentation, and builds confidence among investors, buyers, and partners.

Advancing Food Security Through Local Excellence

For more than three decades, Caribbean Chicken Limited (CCL) has been a cornerstone of Belize’s poultry industry, delivering safe, affordable, and high-quality protein to households nationwide. Established in 1988 by a group of visionary poultry farmers, the company was built on a partnership model that continues to thrive today - linking farmers, production, and consumers in a resilient local supply chain.

CCL operates as a fully integrated poultry producer, managing every stage of production from breeder farms, hatchery, and feed mill to processing, distribution, and retail. This integrated approach ensures consistent quality, traceability, and operational efficiency, while safeguarding supply in an industry that plays a vital role in national food security.

Quality and food safety remain central to CCL’s operations. The company is HACCP-certified and works closely with Belize’s food safety authorities to ensure rigorous standards are met across its processes. The use of GMO-free grains in premium feeds, combined with strict biosecurity and processing controls, reflects CCL’s commitment to delivering wholesome products from farm to table.

Caribbean Chicken Limited offers the most extensive poultry product range in Belize, including fresh whole chickens, cuts and parts, marinated products, sausages, hams, turkey, eggs, and prepared animal feeds. This broad portfolio

allows the company to meet the needs of households, retailers, and food service operators while adapting to changing consumer preferences.

As a major employer of approximately 400 people nationwide, along with indirect employment for poultry and grain farmers, CCL contributes meaningfully to Belize’s economic development - particularly in rural communities. Beyond employment, the company actively supports community initiatives, social programs, and youth and sporting activities, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen.

Looking ahead, Caribbean Chicken Limited has invested in expanded cold storage while positioning the company to increase production capacity, invest in larger inventory storage facility, and explore additional product options. These strategic initiatives are designed to meet growing consumer demand and strengthen the reliability of poultry supply for the Belizean public. Through continued innovation, operational efficiency, and strong food safety practices, CCL remains committed to advancing national food security and building a resilient, locally driven poultry sector.

Caribbean Chicken Limited continues to nourish Belizesustainably, responsibly, and with confidence in the future.

Applied consistently across platforms and markets, the country brand strengthens Belize’s reputation as a destination for sustainable, responsible, and high-quality opportunities while remaining grounded in who Belizeans are and what they value.

NA: Last time we spoke, you told us Belize was poised to continue pioneering blue, green, and orange economy approaches. Is this still the case?

IQ: Belize is the leader in blue, green, and orange economy development.

Our marine and coastal resources and the protection and conservation of this rich biodiversity – alongside our cultural and creative heritage – provide a strong foundation supported by continued policy alignment and institutional support.

• ANALGESIC GEL FOR DEEP PENETRATING RELIEF FROM MINOR ARTHRITIS & MUSCLE PAIN

• ANTI-CONGESTANT FOR COUGH AND COLD SYMPTOMS

• EFFECTIVELY RELIEVES MILD TO MODERATE BODY PAIN

We’re poised to double down on that pathway and are in the process of collaborating with the National Institute of Culture and History and other partners on a national cultural policy, which will help focus our energies and where we invest in terms of cultural development.

We saw an exciting recent development in December when Belize’s Krismos Bram and Sambai were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – a recognition of how culturally unique and rich Belize is.

BELTRAIDE continues to advance this agenda through specific initiatives such as sustainable livelihood programs in coastal and rural communities and general support for environmentally responsible enterprises.

Within the orange economy, BELTRAIDE has supported creative industries by working with music and cultural entrepreneurs to strengthen the business side of what they do, such as business formalization, branding, marketing, intellectual property, and income generation using digital technology and innovation.

We have policies in place to help the private sector connect with this service provision, so we’re excited to continue that work. As a lover of the arts myself, I’m very excited to be involved.

NA: Looking to the future, what are BELTRAIDE’s key priorities and how do you see Belize’s economy continuing to evolve?

IQ: You’re perhaps the first outside of BELTRAIDE to know that we’re now equipped with a fresh-out-of-the-oven strategic plan that will cover 2026 to 2031. It’s been designed to transform the organization, elevating our work through focus, consistency, and collaboration.

The rationale and need for it is that we live in a changing world and need to know what our strategy is going to be if we are to remain relevant and meet the needs of our people.

FILM IN BELIZE

From lush jungles to turquoise waters and historical sites, your next production deserves a location that stands out. Belize delivers stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unmatched natural beauty, all backed by a dedicated Film Commission ready to support you every step of the way.

We are equally committed to strengthening Belize’s creative sector through professional training, industry networking, and public screening opportunities that empower creatives and showcase local talent.

Our office facilitates seamless coordination for visiting productions, providing resources, guidance on permits, logistics, and local partnerships to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Phone number: +501-675-4850 www.belizefilmcommission.com

filmcommissionbelize@gmail.com | administrator@belizefilmcommission.com

The purpose of the strategic plan is all about refocusing and investing where we need to.

Looking ahead, our priorities include deepening support for MSMEs, strengthening investment facilitation, and improving the way we deliver this.

We’re looking to have a faster turnaround time so investors can run with their ideas – encouraging local investment, expanding export readiness, and growing the emphasis on innovation, digitalization, and sustainable business models.

We’re also focused on improving coordination across the national ecosystem, so programs and investments are aligned and responsive to market needs.

The Belize Investment Summit 2025 was hugely successful, and the outcomes of it have helped refine this approach in terms of connecting people to opportunities.

Just by identifying priority sectors and opportunities that are unique to Belize – including investor interest in sustainable tourism, agribusiness, renewable energy, and the creative industries – together with the development of niche, high-value products for the export market, we’re looking to drive growth.

At the same time, there is the need to strengthen Belize’s labor force by aligning skills development and training with the evolving needs of all these sectors.

For more than 100 years we have been with you to make each of your dreams come true and thus build the country where we all want to live together.

Cementos Progreso Belize Limited

Mile 34 George Price Highway, Belize C.A.

Phone: 501-614-7698 / +(502) 2338-9100 www.Progreso.com / https://cempro.com/

As our economy continues to diversify and build resilience, BELTRAIDE will continue to play a central role in supporting value creation through targeted investments, export development, and workforce readiness that enables inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.

While significant progress has been made in advancing sustainability, there remains important work ahead to deepen and expand our impact. Our role as a nation and as a people is to lead by example.

By demonstrating what is possible through initiatives such as blue bonds and nature swaps, we not only safeguard our own future, but also inspire other countries to act, creating a powerful, collective force for the protection of our planet.

Tel: +501 880-3737 | +501 880-0137 info@beltraide.bz beltraide.bz