Corozal Commercial Free Zone Marks 31 Years of Growth

The Corozal Commercial Free Zone celebrated its thirty-first anniversary on Sunday with a special ceremony recognizing investors for their contribution to the zone’s growth and success.  Interim Minister of Enterprise Henry Charles Usher says the event acknowledged the work of investors while highlighting the Free Zone’s importance to northern Belize and the wider national economy.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “Yesterday was the 31st anniversary of the Free Zone. So there was an event in there where some of the investors were honored for the work that they have done and for the fact that the Free Zone remains a vital part of the economy in the north and for Belize on a whole, and it’s something that we have to continue to promote in terms of job creation, 3,000 plus persons working in the zone, 333 businesses operating in the zone. So those are the areas where we focused on yesterday.”

The Corozal Free Zone currently has more than 333 businesses and provides employment for over three thousand people. It remains one of the largest centres of employment and commercial activity in the Corozal District.  The zone was established under legislation passed in 1994 and began operating in the mid-1990s. Located near Belize’s northern border with Mexico, it was created to attract foreign investment, generate employment and expand the country’s commercial and export activities.  Mexican consumers account for a significant portion of the zone’s customer base.