Belize Pushes for Stronger Trade Ties at CARIFORUM-EU Meeting

Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Marconi Leal Jr., represented the country this week at the Fifth Meeting of the CARIFORUM-European Union Joint Council in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The meeting brought together regional leaders and European Union representatives to review the implementation of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, a framework designed to promote trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Caribbean nations and the European Union.  Discussions centered on improving the execution of the agreement while identifying new opportunities to increase trade and investment flows. Delegates also explored ways to strengthen trade in services, enhance regional competitiveness, and build greater economic resilience in the face of global challenges.  For Belize, participation in the Joint Council underscores the government’s continued commitment to expanding market access for local businesses and fostering stronger international partnerships that can support sustainable economic growth. The meeting also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in ensuring Caribbean economies remain competitive while advancing shared goals of sustainable development.