WASHINGTON - The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) approved the new country strategy for Belize for 2026-2030. Aligned with Belize's National Development Plan "Plan Belize 2.0", the strategy aims to support sustained inclusive growth and fiscal stability through increased private-sector-led investment.

On the backdrop of a strong performance supported by fiscal consolidation and natural-capital-based sectors-tourism, agriculture and marine industries, the new strategy prioritizes strengthening the blue economy as a key engine of competitiveness and long - term growth in Belize. The strategy positions Belize to address three interconnected priorities:

• Enhancing Institutional Capacity: strengthening fiscal sustainability by improving tax administration, modernizing public financial management, advancing digital government, and reinforcing public-private partnership frameworks.
• Strengthening Human Capital: addressing structural gaps in education and skills by scaling STEAM education, modernizing vocational education and training (TVET), and reducing skills mismatches in the labor market.
• Boosting Private Sector Competitiveness: investing in resilient energy infrastructure and pursuing universal access to electricity while expanding access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

A core component of the strategy is the protection of Belize's reef ecosystem, through a national water and sanitation program, ensuring the sustainability of tourism and agro-industries, the backbone of the country's growth.

"This new country strategy represents IDB Group's commitment in supporting Belize's growth. "The ridge-to-reef" approach is at the center of the strategy ensuring the creation of opportunities for the people of Belize," said Karla González, IDB Group Country Representative for Belize. "By focusing on its natural capital as the motor for prosperity, Belize's blue economy can boost livelihoods of all Belizeans."

"This new IDB country strategy supports our vision under Plan Belize 2.0 to build a more resilient and inclusive Belize," said Belize's Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Investment, Economic Transformation, Civil Aviation and E-Governance, John Briceño. "It advances our long-term goals for universal access to essential services, climate-resilient growth, and sustainable opportunity for all Belizeans."

The strategy's focus on Belize's blue and green economy recognizes the country's unique position as a nation with significant marine resources and biodiversity, positioning sustainable economic growth at the intersection of environmental stewardship and economic opportunity.