Belize City, October 4, 2024.
Today, Hon. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, concluded the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) In-Country Mission with a final session in Belize City. This meeting served to summarize three days of national consultations, which were conducted to evaluate the progress achieved in implementing the CSME and to strengthen Belize’s engagement with the regional market.
The mission commenced with a visit to the Quality Chicken Facility in Spanish Lookout. Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, expressed Belize’s eagerness to leverage regional opportunities. However, he noted that specific concerns must be addressed to harness these benefits fully. This tour laid the groundwork for subsequent discussions with various stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, civil society, tertiary institutions, trade unions, municipal authorities, and public servants.
Key topics of discussion included the free movement of goods and people, trade, customs procedures, education, intellectual property, public awareness, competition, agriculture, immigration, labour issues, and the implementation of the CARICOM Interactive Market Place Suspension Procedure (CIMSUPRO). This electronic platform aims to facilitate connections between producers and buyers within the CARICOM region.
During the mission, the CARICOM Secretariat emphasized that the CSME is an ongoing process, dependent on the sustained commitment of Member States to ensure its success.
H.E Ambassador Amalia Mai, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and other senior ministry officials joined Minister Martinez.
Ends
