About Belize

Belize is a small English speaking country located on Central America's pristine northeastern coast. Belize's natural assets, development policies and pro-business investment climate have created an ideal destination for investors looking to differentiate based on quality. No other country has so emphatically proclaimed this niche-oriented destiny. Belize's government, recognized by investors as non-intrusive, supportive and predictable, is wholly committed to creating the conditions, policies and institutions to continue supporting the country's <<niche-oriented>> development model and preserving the country's distinctiveness.

There is an increasing demand for "made in Belize" products and services, for the simple reason that they carry an aura of quality and distinctiveness that differentiates them in the eyes of consumers. The list of premium driven and niche-market oriented products and services include: "fair-trade" branded cocoa, orange juice, exotic pepper sauces and experience-based tourism.

Various economic sectors are being targeted by investors attracted by Belize's natural resources, convenient legal framework and export-oriented infrastructure. Tourism services and tourism-related activities, agribusiness, aquaculture, furniture manufacturing and international financial services are among the economic sectors that are focusing the interest of potential niche investors around the globe. Nature has blessed Belize with unique natural riches.

Its government is committed to preserving this endowment and leveraging on these natural assets to promote the private sector growth that will ensure long-term sustainability. This vision is supported by a legal framework designed to promote nondestructive production methods and a private sector committed to delivering high-quality goods and services.

Belize's government is proud to be viewed as a model of a developing country able to protect its environment and resources, while simultaneously welcoming foreign business and trade. The country's success in its approach to economic growth has been supported by a 4.8% average annual GDP growth from 1993-2003. The government's focus on ensuring an educated labour force has seen Belize achieve a 94.1% literacy rate. Belize has become a natural niche for investors who want to develop their business in a stable, strategic, sustainable and business-friendly environment. Selecting Belize has rewarded foreign investors from an array of economic sectors. Investors' satisfaction, commitment and confidence in Belize are demonstrated by reinvestment levels, which are consistently high.

Some sectors that have recently generated interest from investors include;

• Tourism
• Agribusiness
• Aquaculture
• Offshore Financial Services
• Furniture Manufacturing

While the overarching benefits afforded by a positive overall business climate benefit the entire private sector, these industries have managed to stand out by coupling niche strategies with the sector-specific advantages present in Belize.