Belmopan. November 13, 2019. Today, November 13, 2019, Belize and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) entered into the 2019-2023 Country Program Framework (CPF) which provides the strategic structure for cooperation between IAEA and Belize for the next four years. The CPF focuses on radiation safety, food and agriculture, human health, water and the environment, and energy.
The newly signed CPF replaces the 2010-2015 chapter, which yielded various successful cooperation projects in Belize, such as:
- The development of a phytosanitary infrastructure to establish and maintain a fruit fly free area in collaboration with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).
- The establishment of a Chemical Residue Testing laboratory.
- The development of a National Chemical Contaminant Residue Monitoring program by the Central Investigation Laboratory (CIL) of BAHA, which provides the testing support for Belize’s Food Safety Inspection and export certification programs.
Technical cooperation programs will be designed and delivered in accordance with national development frameworks, such as the Horizon 2030 and the Belize Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy, as well as with the international development agendas, namely the Sustainable Development Goals and the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action priorities.
The CPF is spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with support from key national stakeholders including the Department of the Environment and the Ministry of Health.
Signing the 2019-2023 CPF on behalf of the Government of Belize was Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington, who was accompanied by Director of International Affairs (Cooperation) Mrs. Orla Kantun-Coleman. Signing for IAEA was Deputy Director General H.E. Dazhu Yang. Ms. Magali Zapata Cazier, IAEA Program Management Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, delivered the document to Belize on behalf of H.E. Yang.
Ends
