June 30, 2018 - Vol 3: Agribusiness Diversification
Agriculture: The Foundation of Belize's Economy


Historically, Belize is known for the production and export of traditional crops primarily: Sugar, Citrus and Bananas.As global markets grow more competitive and demand trends shift, the Belizean productive sector has diversified into the production and export of non-traditional crops such as grains (including rice and corn), a variety of beans, cacao, cotton, coconut, turmeric, and a variety of spices.Belize is a proven haven for investment opportunities in the agri-business and agro-processing sector, with close proximity to major markets including North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean which serves as an attraction in itself for those seeking regional trade opportunities.
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Success Story Video Feature:
Little Belize Exporters - Papaya
"BELTRAIDE has gained our affection and appreciation for understanding and catering for our company's unique needs..."

Wilhem Weins, Owner, Little Belize Co. Ltd.
What is a CARICOM External Tariff (CET) Suspension? 
Belize , like all other CARICOM Members, applies a Common External Tariff (CET) on imports. The CET provides for a harmonized coding system for the importation of goods outside of the CARICOM region. Member states, can request for a suspension of the CET for products that are not being produced in the CARICOM community and would not compromise the rules of origin of the final product for export. Some of the products that have previously been requested on the suspension list include: ground cinnamon powder, corrugated paper boxes, rice, vegetable fat and oils and their fractions as well as fruit purees/concentrates to be used in juice products. Recently, a study on the market trends was conducted by the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) which identified three (3) products that keep recurring on the suspension list. These opportunities include: Palm Oil, Soya Bean Oil and Sunflower Oil. To learn more about the CET Suspension and associated investment opportunities download the bulletin below:
Export Opportunities Bulletin
Improving Community Livelihoods Through Access to Protected Areas for Cacao and Honey Production
The Toledo District is comprised of a mosaic of protected areas, communities and state lands. It is the least developed region in the country of Belize but features the most pristine forests, remarkable rivers, extensive cave networks and offshore cayes. Belizean conservation organization Ya'axché, focuses its work in an ecologically sensitive area within the Toledo District called the Maya Golden Landscape (MGL). Under its Community Outreach and Livelihoods (COL) Program, Ya'axché works with 8 indigenous communities in the MGL. The program focuses on empowering communities in conservation through environmental education, capacity building, trainings in leadership, governance, micro enterprises and on-going extension support to mentor farmers in implementing climate smart agricultural practices. 
Project Opportunity: YAXHA Ecological Resort
Project Name:  YAXHA Ecological Resort
Sector: Tourism & Agriculture
Status: Open
Location: Teakettle Village, Cayo District 

Project Summary
The YAXHA Ecological Resort is proposed to be developed on 116 acres of jungle nestled in Teakettle Village, Cayo District, Belize. The resort is envisioned to offer 10 two-bedroom units with a main house to include amenities such as a restaurant, a pool, a spa, and a gym. An organic farm will also be developed on the property to supply the restaurant with a farm to table model. It is also envisioned that the resort will rely on renewable energy for energy generation, using bio-mass and solar energy as the main sources.


Total Est. Capital Investment: USD $2,500,000
Total Est. Capital Required: USD $2,500,000
Estimated Return on Investment: 10%
Preferred Sources of Capital: Equity / Debt / Other
Preferred Mode of Investment:  Joint Venture / Angel Investor

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Contact BelizeINVEST, a Unit of BELTRAIDE, for more details.
14 Orchid Garden Street
City of Belmopan, Belize
Phone: +501-822-3737 / 0175
Email: investment@belizeinvest.org.bz
Skype: belizeinvest