PM Briceño says Belize continues to receive positive feedback from US officials on investment climate

Prime Minister John Briceño says his administration continues to receive positive feedback from officials in the United States regarding Belize’s investment climate and the government’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with both domestic and international investors.  Speaking in a recent interview, the Prime Minister revealed that he has recently received commendation from a United States congressman representing Florida, who praised Belize for the work being done to deepen cooperation with the United States and to maintain an open and welcoming environment for investors.  PM Briceño indicated that he is confident in Belize’s reputation and the government’s commitment to transparency and rule of law.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “I just got a letter from a congressman from Florida who is commending me, commending myself as prime minister and the government for working with private sector, working with the US government, with US companies. I just met with the CEO of ASR BSI, Mr. Luis Fernandez, who was just in Belize for the past two days on a working visit. And he is very pleased with the work that we’re doing the cooperation that we have. We continue to have record investment in Belize. Over the past two years, we’ve had over half a billion dollars of investments and most of that investments are American investors that are coming to Belize. If there was no confidence in the government of Belize, if there was no confidence in the people of Belize, if there was no confidence in the courts of Belize, these Americans would not be coming to invest in Belize.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid renewed discussion in Washington following correspondence from Brian J. Mast, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, who wrote to Marco Rubio requesting an assessment of Belize’s investment climate and governance environment. The letter references concerns raised in relation to investor disputes and the compulsory acquisition process involving the Stake Bank development project.

Love News asked the Prime Minister whether he was concerned that the Stake Bank matter is being discussed among high-level officials in the United States.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Well, any kind of negative propaganda against our country is something that’s of concern. There is some concern but I know that we can address every single issue that this man has done, has raised. So we’re going to be taking care of that. I’m sure that that will be sorted out that quickly.”

The Government of Belize has already acknowledged the circulation of the correspondence and has stated that it remains willing to cooperate fully with any review conducted by U.S. authorities. In an official statement issued from Belmopan, the government emphasized that Belize continues to maintain a stable democratic system and a strong bilateral relationship with the United States, while also reaffirming confidence in the country’s judicial institutions