Belize Earns Praise at WTO Trade Policy Review in Geneva

Belize has successfully concluded its Fourth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva, with member states commending the country’s resilience and forward-looking trade agenda. According to a government press release issued today, the review provided a comprehensive assessment of Belize’s trade policies, highlighting efforts to promote transparency, openness, and predictability within the global trading system. WTO members acknowledged Belize’s steady economic recovery following the impacts of COVID-19 and Hurricane Lisa, noting that the country continues to demonstrate growth despite recent shocks.  The review also underscored reforms anchored in Belize’s National Trade Policy, which integrates gender considerations and aligns trade facilitation measures with broader goals of sustainability and economic competitiveness. Members welcomed ongoing modernization efforts, including progress toward a Trade and Investment Electronic Single Window and reforms to the trade licensing framework aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs.  Belize was further commended for advancing a digital and blue economy, with initiatives such as the Blue Bond and partnerships that have trained more than one thousand women in digital skills. Investments under the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact were also highlighted as key to strengthening energy infrastructure and the education system.  While WTO members encouraged improvements in areas such as notification compliance and institutional capacity, Belize reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these challenges and enhancing transparency. Officials say a time-bound post-review workplan will now be implemented to reduce trade costs, strengthen investor confidence, and expand the country’s digital trade agenda.  The Belize delegation was led by Ambassador Dr. Harold Young, who emphasized the importance of continued international support for small and vulnerable economies. The review concluded with members describing Belize’s engagement as constructive and reflective of a positive economic trajectory.