Belize Chairs CARICOM Trade Meeting as Region Advances Key Economic Plans

Hon. Marconi Leal, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led Belize’s delegation and chaired the 61st Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), held on November 20–21, 2025, in Georgetown, Guyana.

The meeting focused on advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and addressing several major trade and economic issues affecting the region. One key topic was the ongoing work toward full free movement of nationals among Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Discussions also covered trade in goods, including proposed adjustments to import duties on items important to Belize. Member States approved the development of a regional compost standard, supporting CARICOM’s broader sustainability goals.

A major highlight for Belize was the regional support for establishing the Caribbean Sugar Refinery in Belize. The refinery, set to begin operations by April 2026, is expected to revitalize the regional sugar industry by producing high-quality, locally refined sugar and reducing reliance on costly imported logistics.

COTED also noted Belize’s growing trade relationship with Guatemala and endorsed Belize’s plan to negotiate an expanded Partial Scope Agreement to boost economic integration and strengthen export competitiveness within CARICOM.

Another important achievement for Belize was the approval of the certification of the Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and El Salvador. With this step cleared, Belize will now move forward to sign the agreement.

During the meeting, Minister Leal also held a bilateral discussion with Jamaican Minister Aubyn Hill. The two officials explored opportunities to expand trade in frozen citrus products into Jamaica.

Minister Leal was accompanied by H.E. Gale Miller, High Commissioner to Guyana; Andy Sutherland, Director General for Foreign Trade; Tricia Gideon, Deputy Director General; senior officers from the Customs and Excise Department; Tricia Soberanis, Deputy Comptroller; and Francis Alfaro, Trade Support Officer.