“In Belize, business and nature meet, creating an attractive, sustainable investment climate”. This quote from the Investor’s Guide aptly describes the environment in Belize.

Economic Geography

One of Belize’s best assets is its geography. An English-speaking Commonwealth country it is located on the Caribbean coast of Central America. North of Belize is Mexico – less than 2 hours from Belize City, the commercial capital, and less than an hour and a half driving south from Belmopan you are on the border with Guatemala. With a population of just over 300,000 and land space of 8,876 square miles (almost 23,000km) is one of the least densely populated countries in the Americas.

Investment Opportunities

This is traditionally based on agriculture but the recent focus of government has been on developing agro-based value-added products.

• Citrus-based Production

Citrus has become the second most important crop in the country after sugar. It received a boost when a number of large-scale US investors moved into the sub sector. Citrus and a range of citrus-based products continue to do well in the export market, backed by an active Citrus Growers’ Association.

The Association is seeking additional investments through the Investment Forum to expand production.

• Livestock – Beef Production

Currently Belize cannot satisfy its markets for beef.. The country has thousands of acres suitable for cattle, first class breeds and rearing techniques, sound management but little by the way of capital to expand. It is therefore promoting investments from the Caribbean, Central America and elsewhere so that it can meet its market commitments

The very dynamic Belize Livestock Association has submitted a proposal requesting Investors/Financiers for expanded beef production.

• The Mennonites: Large-scale Exporters of Beans and Rice

Belize is also home to large groups of Mennonites, some of whom are the most efficient Farmers in the Caribbean / Central America region. The Mennonites, who first came to Belize in 1958 now control the production of rice, grains, poultry and dairy products in Belize and export to Jamaica, Mexico and North America.

Bel-Car Export and Import Company which exports a range of beans to the Caribbean as well as North and South America and Australia, is seeking additional investment support through a bankable project.

The Hillbank Mennonites, major producers of rice for domestic and export markets, have also submitted a project for discussion at the Forum.

Over the past 15 years Hillbank Agriculture Company Limited has mastered the technical aspects of rice production and thus increased yields and the quality of rice significantly. They are seeking medium-term financing for expanding their production facilities and reducing the risk to flooding by updating their technology for drainage.