Belize Pushes Energy and Trade Talks in High-Level U.S. Meetings

Belize is stepping up its diplomatic and economic engagement with the United States.  This week Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, Dr. Osmond Martinez, concluded a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for national development.  During the visit, Minister Martinez held discussions with U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, senior officials from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Trade Office, as well as technical teams from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The meetings focused on several national priorities, among them expanding Belize’s long-term energy generation capacity, advancing ongoing reforms in the energy sector, and identifying U.S. partnerships to support cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable power systems.  A key topic raised was the pending U.S. approval for the export of Belizean green coconuts, which Martinez described as a priority in diversifying agricultural trade. He emphasized that access to the U.S. market could significantly boost farmer income, stimulate rural employment, and expand Belize’s agro-processing potential once clearance is finalized.  The Minister also explored opportunities for increased public and private investment, improved trade competitiveness, and greater support for Belizean farmers. Discussions covered financing mechanisms, strengthening agricultural value chains, and helping producers build resilience against climate-related threats considered essential for sustaining growth and expanding market access.  Minister Martinez was accompanied in Washington by Mac McLachlan, Vice President of International Relations at American Sugar Refining; Ruy Martinez, ASR’s Regional Commercial Director; and Joshua Pott, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Belize Embassy.  Following the engagements in the capital, the delegation is headed to Florida, where Martinez will tour ASR facilities.