Senate Approves Belize-El Salvador Trade Agreement

Belize and El Salvador are moving closer to a new trade arrangement after Belize’s Senate approved a Partial Scope Agreement between the two countries. The agreement is expected to open more opportunities for Belizean producers and expand acceSss to the Salvadoran market. The Senate of Belize has approved the Belize–El Salvador Partial Scope Agreement, marking another step in strengthening trade relations between both countries. The agreement was previously approved by El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly and now moves forward following Belize’s parliamentary approval. Under the arrangement, Belizean products such as grains, meats, citrus products, seafood, juices and honey will receive preferential access to the Salvadoran market. In return, Belize will provide tariff preferences for selected goods from El Salvador, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, packaging materials, machinery and construction supplies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says the agreement is expected to create more opportunities for Belizean businesses, diversify export markets and strengthen economic ties with El Salvador. The next step involves both governments exchanging official notifications confirming that their internal approval processes have been completed. The agreement will take effect 30 days after that exchange, and the government says it will announce when the new tariff rates officially come into effect.