EU Statement at the Trade Policy Review of Belize, 4th May 2026

EU Statement at the Trade Policy Review of Belize, 4th May 2026

EU Statement at the Trade Policy Review of Belize

On behalf of the European Union, I warmly welcome the Delegation of Belize, led by Dr. Harold Young, Permanent Representative and Ambassador, and thank his team for their constructive engagement in this fourth Trade Policy Review. I also wish to express our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat for its report, as well as to Belize for the submission of its government report, which together provide a solid basis for today's discussion. Allow me also to thank the Discussant, H.E. Mr. Colin Murdoch (Antigua and Barbuda), for the insightful remarks.

This Review offers a valuable opportunity to assess developments in Belize's trade and investment regime. The European Union enjoys a longstanding partnership with Belize, historically under the Cotonou Agreement and now under the Samoa Agreement. Our economic relations are further supported by the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has been implemented since 2008. Under the agreement, the two sides have reduced tariffs as well as entered into other commitments with a view to facilitating a mutually beneficial trade relationship.

The EU welcomes Belize's efforts to integrate trade policy into its national development strategy, including through its National Trade Policy (2019-2030). Trade remains central to Belize's economy, with a high level of openness, but also exposure to external shocks. We also commend Belize's engagement in the multilateral trading system, including its acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and participation in the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.

At the same time, the EU would like to highlight three areas for further progress.

First, on trade facilitation, we encourage Belize to continue efforts to reduce administrative and logistical bottlenecks. The Secretariat report notes relatively high trade costs and lengthy customs clearance times, particularly for maritime shipments. The EU stands ready to assist Belize in overcoming those challenges and increasing its competitiveness.

Second, regarding transparency and predictability, we encourage Belize to address gaps in WTO notifications and enhance clarity in its trade regime, notably when it comes to the administration of certain quantitative restrictions, which should be in line with WTO principles. Continued efforts in this area would strengthen investor confidence and improve market access conditions.

Third, the EU supports Belize's efforts to modernize its investment and business environment, including recent legal reforms. Further progress in digitalisation and streamlining of procedures would help reduce the cost of doing business and support diversification.

Chair, in closing, the European Union thanks Belize for its replies to the advance questions. We look forward to continued constructive engagement and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Belize's trade-related reforms through dialogue, technical cooperation, and our broader partnership. On behalf of the European Union, I wish Belize every success in its Trade Policy Review.