MARKET REPORT 2019 Market Research Mission to Belize
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
AUGUST 2019
MARKET REPORT 2019 Market Research Mission to Belize
Generating foreign exchange is critical to Barbados’ economic recovery. Expanding
exports in existing markets like Belize will assist in this effort. Belize offers potential
opportunities given its membership of the Caribbean Community, proximity to the
United States, English speaking population and ability to attract tourists.
Except for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, no part may be reproduced or reused for any commercial purposes whatsoever. You may download, store in cache, display or print the data in an unaltered form only, for non-commercial purposes, provided that this notice appears with all copies. You may not re-transmit, distribute, or commercialise the data without prior permission of the Barbados Investment & Development Corporation. Contents and Marketing Advertising Uniforms 30 Soaps 27 Envelopes 25 Wines 23 Yoghurt 20 Margarines 18 Chocolates 15 Paints 11 Services ICT - Services 31 Consultancy Electronic 34 Condiments 16 indigenous Non Traditional / Juices - Construction Building and 31 Garments Lotions 28 Paper Labels26 Pottery 24 Ceramics / Processed Meats 18 Trowel Plastics 12 Sugar 34 Services 32 THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY 21 SUMMARY OFFINDINGS BELIZE’S TRADE WITH EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PRODUCT FINDINGS Soya BeanOil Wooden Aluminum Furniture - Solar Water Heaters Services Consultancy Human Resource Footwear Hair Products Printed Forms Glasswork METHODOLOGY Snacks 17 Confectionary / Rum 22 INTRODUCTION
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35 39 37 10 6 8 7 Contents Considerations 54 Legal Hours 62 Business Zone 61 Commercial Free Considerations Tax Customs frames andCosts Belize: Importing into Belize Trade 51 Barbados and Prospects 49 Economic Overview 48 Country General Time
57 GUIDE TO DOINGBUSINESS WITHBELIZE Holidays inBelize 65 Festivals and Products 63 List of
57 55 SUMMARY ACTIONS FOR PROPOSED - MARKET PENETRATION STRATEGY MARKET PENETRATION STRATEGY Agreements 50 Free Trade Regulations 54 and Technical Standards Information 57 Shipping Channels 51 Distribution Business inBelize 49 Ease ofDoing Advice 62 Travel Requirements 56 Other Import Incentives 61 Fiscal Banking 60 SUMMARY OFOPPORTUNITIES
a Glance –July2019 66 Agriculture Prices at of Industrial Development 63 Article 164:Promotion Requirements 62 Entry Customs 61 Business (DPA) 61 Processing Areas Designated Business inBelize 49 Challenges ofDoing Property Rights57 Intellectual of Entry56 Points Bilateral Trade 50 CARICOM Considerations 53 Market Entry Regulation 55 Labeling APPENDIX
46 48 63 47 41 Market Research Mission Report Belize
The generation of foreign exchange is no doubt one of critical pillars of Barbados’ economic recovery programme. One principal way for the country to achieve this is to export more of its production by expanding in existing markets or penetrating new ones. Belize offers potential opportunities given its membership of the Caribbean Community, proximity to the United States, English speaking population and ability to attract tourists.
Belize’s economic output has traditionally been based on agriculture, though there has been a prominent shift towards the services sector with emphasis on tourism and finance. Agriculture provides about 71% of the country’s total foreign exchange earnings, and employs approximately
Introduction 29% of the total labour force. Belize’s top three agricultural exports are citrus, sugar, and bananas. Over 95% of the fresh fruit citrus is processed into concentrates and not-from-concentrates.
Agro-processing is an area of high priority as Belize has an abundance of raw materials available to support the industry. The abundance of local exotic fruits has generated opportunities for production of fruit wines, jams, jellies, extracts and pastes. The development of the country’s furniture sector has also been aided by the abundance of forestry resources. This report is intended to serve a two-fold purpose Trade between Barbados and Belize has been on a limited scale despite Provide detailed product the fact that both countries are members of CARICOM. Barbados’ and market information for exports to Belize were valued at Bds$ 2.0 million at the end of 2018, BIDC and manufacturers/ service providers on the recording a fall of 39.8% compared with the previous year. The average opportunities which exist in the market export value over the ten years from 2009 to 2018 is approximately $2.9 million, fluctuating between Bds$ 3.4 million at its highest point and and Bds$ 2.0 million, its lowest point. The main category of items exported to
Belize during 2018 was aluminium doors, windows & frames & thresholds Provide the basis for further market development and for doors, valued at Bds$ 0.8 million or 40.1% of total domestic exports. penetration with a Other principal exports were household aerosol insecticides, printed follow-up trade mission later in 2019 by the paper labels, non-electric lamps and light fittings, medicaments and Export & Business Development Division. plastic doors, windows and frames.
6 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
A consultant was contracted to arrange business meetings and to facilitate transportation in the market visit for two BIDC officers during the period July 14 - 20, 2019. Meetings were held with the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Commerce, Belize Coalition of Service Providers, Beltraide, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Economic Development Council and associations for engineers and architects. Visits to supermarkets and hardware stores also formed part of the mission.
Information was collected from both primary and secondary sources on:
Accessibility of Current size Potential Barbadian suppliers of market Customers’ Views to the market Market segmentation Customer needs, usage Policy initiatives designed and attitudes to promote trade
Methodology Market trends and opportunities Do they see a need for the Regulations and Legislation product/service?
Import policy/ Market Access Distribution channels How do they source new /Licensing Import Tariffs suppliers/selection criteria used? Agents or distributors used
Customs procedures Is the product/service and practices How the market is best supplied acceptable in its current format?
Terms of Trade (payments) Costs of distribution Economic and The specific mechanisms, financial statistics formal and informal for Pricing and general entering the market pricing structure Recently published trade statistics
The general experiences Major products traded and of companies that have Competition major trading partners operated in the market Is existing competition Major industries more or less sophisticated? Non-Tariff barriers and new developments to market entry Presence of local Transport and /international competitors Foreign exchange controls communication facilities
Marking/labeling/packaging Key players’ activity, General information requirements strategy and performance on the country
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 7 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Executive Summary
2018
ECONOMY Belize offers several benefits for conducting business, among which are its proximity to USA and links with Central America; a stable political environment; a skilled 3.0% labour force with bilingual language skills; availability of connecting flights via Panama and US into Belize; In 2018, Belize’s economy membership of CARICOM and multiple trade and expanded by 3.0%, due to strong investment agreements; a stable currency; and an performances in higher secondary open economy. and tertiary sector production.
Belize’s economic output has traditionally been based PRIMARY PRODUCTION on agriculture, though there has been a prominent shift towards the services sector with emphasis on tourism and finance. Agriculture provides about 71% of the 3.4% country’s total foreign exchange earnings, and employs approximately 29% of the total labour force. Belize’s top Primary production slowed to 3.4% in three agricultural exports are citrus, sugar, 2018, hampered by adverse weather and the damaging effects of citrus diseases. and bananas.
Trade between Barbados and Belize is characterised TERTIARY SECTOR by a trade surplus in the favour of Belize. The major Barbadian companies currently exporting to Belize are Oran Ltd., McBride (Caribbean) Ltd., the West 3.6% India Biscuit Company Ltd., Carlisle Laboratories and Caribbean Label Craft. Barbados’ exports to Belize The Tertiary sector provided the largest contribution were valued at Bds$ 2.0 million at the end of 2018, to GDP growth, expanding by 3.6% with positive averaging Bds$ 2.9 million between 2009 and 2018. results recorded in all service-based industries, The main categories of items exported to Belize for except “Other Private Services”. Notably, growth in “Hotels and Restaurants” and “Transport and 2018 were aluminium doors, windows & frames & Communication” were supported by stellar increases thresholds for doors, household aerosol insecticides, in overnight arrivals and cruise ship disembarkations, printed paper labels, non-electric lamps and light while “Wholesale and Retail Trade” was boosted by fittings, medicaments and plastic doors, windows heightened commercial free zone (CFZ) sales. and frames.
8 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize Executive Summary
Oran’s aluminium doors and windows sensitise businesses and consumers of were prominently displayed in one the offerings of Barbadian producers. hardware store. Distributors showed The delivery of some services will also particular interest in canned sausages, require the registration of the Barbadian soyabean oil, rum, margarine and service provider with Belizean regulatory yoghurt. Reports are that Belizeans are authorities. motivated primarily by price and, in a number of cases, cheap alternatives Opportunities also exist for Barbadian to Barbadian products are available companies to establish operations in in the market, sourced from other Belize’s Designated Processing Areas Central American countries, especially or Commercial Free Zones. Companies Guatemala and Mexico. This means Reports are that Belizeans operating in the processing areas may that Barbadian producers will have are motivated primarily by qualify for various tax exemptions for a to engage in extensive marketing price and, in a number of period of up to ten years, preferential tax rates on Income and Business Tax and and promotion to generate consumer cases, cheap alternatives interest and loyalty. can maintain a foreign currency account to Barbadian products are in a domestic or international bank
Opportunities also exist for Barbadian available in the market, located in Belize. Companies in the free companies to source raw materials sourced from other Central zones are able to access incentives that include exemptions from several taxes for their production processes. Belize American countries, produces high-quality sugar and high- and duties and the facility to deduct grade molasses that may be used in the especially Guatemala and losses incurred over the five-year tax production of rum and confectionery. Mexico. holiday from profits realised in the three Citrus crops are also available in Belize years following the tax holiday period. in large quantities and can be used by producers of juice and juice drinks, while Barbadian producers must note, 1 Barbadian chocolatiers can acquire however, that under Article 164 of high-quality cacao and cocoa for the the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, production of their delicacies. Belize, along with the Less Developed Countries in CARICOM, reserves the
The export of Barbadian services to right to apply a tariff on Barbadian Belize will require the formation of products that fall under an approved list alliances with the industry associations as stipulated by the Council for Trade in conjunction with an extensive and Economic Development (COTED). marketing and promotion campaign to 1 Appendix 6.2, page 62
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 9 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Product Findings
Research was carried out for 28 different product and service segments. This list comprised 24 manufactured products and 4 service categories. The full list is available in the Appendix at page 63. There was interest expressed in the Belize market for some of the products researched, but active follow-up is required by Barbadian producers.
Food packaging, preservation nutritional value and contents. and value-added investments This process drives up the cost of are needed to promote food bringing products to market and security and enhance revenues limits the number of producers that for producers. Belize also needs can afford such services. a modern laboratory to test and Agri-Business opportunities include validate the nutritional contents the production of raw produce in of processed food stuffs, fruits, the traditional agriculture, organic vegetables, sauces and other agriculture and aquaculture sectors; by-products required for product value-added agribusiness and labels. Currently, producers in livestock; biofuels including power Belize send their products to other generation, ethanol, and bio-diesel.
countries in the Caribbean or in Opportunities in this sector exist Central America to be tested for in agricultural machinery and
10 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
equipment, modernization systems and the incorporation of sustainable technology in agricultural practices, processes and equipment e.g. improved irrigation, fertilization, organic production, as well as better disease and pest management. Agriculture related opportunities also exist in value added investments and trade to advance packaging and preservation methods; improved production and processing methods; product marketing and branding; and storage and export handling.
Belize’s Imports of Paints: 2014-2018 Paints
The paints market in Belize is a very competitive one. A number of brands of pre-mixed paints can be found in hardware stores including Dutch Boy, Lanco, BH Harris, Cool Seal, Thompsons Water Seal, Cemix, Rust-Oleum, Minwax and Berger. There are also several mixing stations where pigments can be added to a paint base to generate customer-specified colours.
5.8% 3.3% Belize imports over Bel$ 10 million in paints each year. For the year 2018, paints imports to Belize were valued at Bel$ 11.1% 12.8 million, sourced from 18 markets. The United States of America outstrips all other markets, accounting for 45% of 45% 13.7% the value of paints imported between 2014 and 2018. Other principal sources include Jamaica (21%), Mexico (13.7%) 21% and Trinidad and Tobago (11.1%). Among the leading paint brands are Leyland, Minwax, Insl-X, Rust-Oleum, BH and Dutch Boy.
Share of Paints Imports into Belize by Market: 2014 - 2018
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Paints PROSPECTS
The BH brand, affiliated with theHarris brand since Harris The current construction boom is expected to continue Paints acquired Brandram-Henderson in 2006, accounts over the next five years as Belize benefits from access to for the bulk of imports from Jamaica and features heavily in loans and grant funds to assist in social and infrastructural hardware stores. The Berger Paints brand is also observed on development projects that are in accordance with the National the shelves of hardware stores, but is not as prominent. Development Framework 2010-2030 and the Horizon 2030 The consistency with which paints imports are recorded above vision. Barbadian producers must note, however, that under the Bel$ 10 million level on an annual basis is indicative of the Article 164 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, Belize, a high volume of construction currently underway in the market Less Developed Country in CARICOM, reserves the right to as a result of several ongoing infrastructural projects and apply a tariff on Barbadian paints in protection of its industry. signals a strong demand for quality brands.
Trowel Plastics
There was little familiarity with the trowel plastics product among the persons with whom the officers met
in the market. It is not produced anywhere in Belize. Belize’s Imports of Non-refractory No evidence was seen of the use of the product in the Surfacing Preps.: 2014-2018 buildings and structures visited or seen in Belmopan, Belize City or San Ignacio. Generally, walls were plastered, primed and painted. In the Harmonised System Commodity and Coding System (HS), developed by the World Customs Council, trowel plastics is classified under the tariff heading 3214900 - Non-refractory surfacing preparations for facades, indoor walls, floors, ceilings or the like. Official statistics in Belize show moderate imports of products under the tariff heading 3214900. However, it is likely to be a product other than trowel plastics. While there was an average of Bel$ 2.9 million imported between 2014 and 2017, there were no recorded imports for 2018.
The United States of America is the principal source for products under this tariff heading, accounting for 80.4% over the four-year period while products from United States Mexico Puerto Rico neighbouring Mexico account for 15.3%. Guatemala Honduras other countries
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Share of Imports of Non-refractory Trowel Plastics Surfacing Preps into Belize by Market: 2014 - 2018 PROSPECTS
Trowel plastics has the potential 0.9% 0.9% to save builders, homeowners and 1.1% 1.4% contractors substantial amounts of money, reducing the cost of having to engage three or four processes: 15.3% plastering, buffing, priming and painting. However, there is need for extensive promotion in the market, 80.4% with demonstrations of the use of the product by a skilled mason and a comparison of the cost savings as compared with the traditional approach.
United States Mexico Puerto Rico Guatemala Honduras other countries
Belize’s Imports of Wooden/ Furniture Alumin. Furniture: 2014-2018 Wooden, Aluminum
Reports are that the majority of furniture found in Belize is made in the country, crafted from mahogany or other exceptional indigenous woods, such as poisonwood and cabbage wood. It is possible to buy handmade furniture in Belize at a price similar to mass produced furniture in North America.
The craftsmanship and exotic nature of Belize’s wooden furniture have attracted much interest outside the country. Hummingbird Furnishings, one of Belize’s leading furniture manufacturers, offers its unique blend of Wicker, Rattan, Wood, Bamboo and Poly Resin Furniture made for residential and commercial use. It United States CHINA MALASIA incorporates kiln dried and treated mahogany into VIETNAM PANAMA other countries
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 13 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Prices
Trinidad Armchair* $1,880 Bel 31”W × 34”D × 38”H its frames, with each piece intricately • Rattan & Wood Frame Price is for hand-woven with quality materials and • Rolled Arms w/ Padded Woven natural finish • Fibre-wrapped Seat & Back Cushions w/ Indoor Fabric (Excludes tax) craftsmanship.
Mayan Armchair* $1,673 Bel Belizeans also import approximately 31”W × 35”D × 29”H Price is for • Interior Hardwood Frame natural finish with Bel$ 7.9 million of furniture each year, of indoor fabrics • Hand Woven w/ Cane Peel (Excludes tax) which more than 77% (Bel$ 39.6 million) is metal furniture and the remainder is Plantation 6 Drawer Chest* $2,079 Bel wooden furniture. The United States of 61”W × 20”D × 32”H Price is for • Six Drawers w/ Padded Woven Cane & Wood Front natural finish America accounts for the most of the • Wood Frame Wrapped w/ Cane Peel (Excludes tax) imports, approximately Bel$ 5.3 million
or 68.9%. The remainder is sourced from Azul King Bed* $2,506 Bel China (11%), Malaysia (3.5%), Vietnam 82”W × 82.5”D × 51.5”H • Wooden Headboard & Footboard w/ Padded Cane (1.8%) and Panama (3%). • Stain Polyurethane Finish Price is for • Does not Include Mattress natural finish • Also Available in Queen, Double & Single Sizes (Excludes tax)
Riviera Sofa* $1,712 Bel 33”W × 76”D × 28”H • Hand Woven w/ Roving and Resin • Fibre-wrapped Seat & Back Cushions Furniture w/ Outdoor Fabric Wooden, Aluminum • Hunter Green Finish (Excludes tax) PROSPECTS
While there is some wooden furniture Cancun Armchair* $345 Bel 25”W × 24”D × 32.5”H imported, Belizeans generally prefer • Handwoven w/ Roving & Resin Price is for locally made furniture. The abundance • Seat Cushion High Dense Foam Fibre-wrapped w/ natural finish with indoor fabrics Outdoor Fabric – White Finish (Excludes tax) of local woods allows manufacturers in the country to sell their furniture Dining Table Biscayne* $1,410 Bel at competitive prices. Barbadian 48”W × 48”D × 30”H furniture manufacturers will find this • 48” Diameter Round 10mm glass Top • Hand Woven w/ Cane Peel market to be more responsive to metal • Wood Base furniture offerings than to wooden • Two Tone Stained Polyurethane Finish ones. However, Barbadian producers $1,837 Bel must note that, under Article 164 of the Caribe Double Adjustable Chaise Lounge w/o Arms* Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, Belize 63”W x 46”D x 39”H • Hand Woven w/ Roving & Resin reserves the right to apply a tariff on • Adujstable Back Barbadian furniture in protection of • Fiber -Wrapped seat & back Cushions w/ Outdoor Fabric its industry. • Ideal for Outdoor – White Finish (Excludes tax)
* Pieces from www.hummingbirdfurnishings.com
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Chocolates
In rural, southern Belize, the social enterprise Maya Belize’s Imports of Chocolates: 2014-2018 Mountain Cacao, founded in 2010, connects more than 300 small organic cocoa farmers to the fine chocolate industry through direct, transparent relationships. There are 7 international chocolate makers currently buying cocoa from Belize, with an estimated 75 on the waiting list. Demand for Belize’s organic cocoa has grown exponentially since 2010 and farmers in this arrangement are getting a stable price of more than 100 percent of the world market price paid directly to them the same day they harvest. Having removed the middlemen and shortened the value chain, the farmers and buyers have increased their value and quality, brought large-scale social impact to farming communities in Belize and effected systemic change in the chocolate industry.
Brands such as Moho Chocolate, Ix’Cacao Maya Belizean 1.5% Chocolate, Cotton Tree Chocolate, Kakaw Belizean 4.5% 4.6% Chocolate and Che’Il Mayan Chocolate are all produced in Belize from premium cocoa grown in the Toledo District. These are especially popular with Belizeans despite the presence of several international brands on supermarket shelves. There is also the use of chocolate in the Tourism 18.5% industry, with some spa and wellness operations making 47.7% use of chocolate in various spa treatments for its positive impact on health and beauty.
23.2% While some chocolate is imported from the United States of America, Mexico, the United Kingdom and other Central American territories including Guatemala and El Salvador, it is in small quantities. Official statistics indicate that only Bel$ 2.4 million of chocolates were imported in 2018, with Share of Chocolate Imports into 47.7% sourced from the United States of America, 23.2% Belize by Market: 2014 - 2018 from Mexico and 18.5% from Guatemala.
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Chocolate PROSPECTS
The popularity of native cocoa and chocolates by Belizeans captive market. However, Belizean cacao beans and cocoa gives very little room for Barbadian brands. Substantial can be considered for inputs into the production process for effort will be required by local producers to penetrate this Barbadian chocolatiers.
Condiments
Despite a large volume of Belizean condiments on the shelves in Belize, there is also quite a substantial
volume of imports. At an average of Bel$ 8.8 million over the past five years, the main sources of condiments imports are the United States of America Belize’s Imports of Condiments: 2014-2018 (47.7%) and Guatemala (23.9%). There is also some popularity with products from the United Kingdom, Jamaica and Mexico.
Local brands, Marie Sharpe and Hot Mama’s dominate shelf space across all products in this category. However, the line of pepper sauces from these two brands are especially well-received. These pepper sauces include the Marie Sharp’s Exotic Sauce, Smokin’ Marie (Special Edition), Beware Habanero, No Wimps Allowed Habanero, Orange Pulp Habanero, Original Mild, Sweet Habanero, Smoked Habanero (Special Edition), Original Hot, Original Fiery Hot, Green Habanero Pepper Sauce, Grapefruit Pulp Habanero and Belizean Heat. In addition, there are the Hot Mama’s Habanero Hot United States GUATEMALA UNITED KINGDOM Sauce – Mild X, Habanero Hot Sauce – Hot XX,
JAMAICA MEXICO other countries Habanero Hot Sauce – Fiery XXX, and Habanero Hot Sauce – Too Hot XXXX.
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Condiments PROSPECTS
The taste of Barbadian condiments is unfamiliar to the Belizean palate. While there was no expression of interest in Barbadian condiments, it will be necessary to conduct product sampling and product demonstrations in the market to collect primary data on the responsiveness of consumers to the Barbadian offerings.
Confectionery / Snacks Traditionally, Belizeans look toward snack foods such as Belize’s Imports of Confectionery/ tamales, chimole, johnny cakes, conch fritters, fryjacks, Snacks: 2014-2018 meat pies and salbutes. However, traditional snack items also can be found. Some Belizeans produce their own plantain and banana chips, though these are not of high quality. Each year, Belizeans import approximately Bel$ 12.6 million in confectionery and snacks, ranging from sweet biscuits to cheese-based snacks, chewing gum, products made from corn, beans and peas, ice cream cones, etc. The United States of America is the principal source for imported confectionery and snacks, accounting for 40.1% in the past five years. Mexico (26.5%), El Salvador (8.8%), the United Kingdom (7.8%) and Trinidad and Tobago (5.9%) make up the remainder of the top 5 markets. Brands like Planters, Cheetos and Doritos can United States MEXICO EL SALVADOR be observed on shelves in retail outlets. However, the TRINIDAD & TOBAGO UNITED KINGDOM other countries Mondelez suite of brands has the lion’s share.
Confectionery/ Snacks PROSPECTS
Distributors indicated no interest in Barbadian snacks. Product promotion and marketing will be critical to market penetration. While distributors insist on exclusivity, they are prepared to provide promotional support. Barbadian producers must note that snacks attract an import duty of 55%.
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 17 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Margarines Belize’s Imports of Margarines: 2014 - 2018
While there is some local production of margarine in Belize (Blue Bonnet), there is a huge volume of imports. Between 2014 and 2018, Belizeans imported approximately Bel$ 75.9 million in margarine, with 71.7% of that being sourced from the United States of America alone. In 2018, that market was responsible for Bel$ 15.1 million out of the Bel$ 19.1 million of imports recorded. Brands from Central America are also popular, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize, with Guatemala, Mexico and El
Salvador accounting for 22.2%, 3% and 2.5% United States GUATEMALA EL SALVADOR MEXICO INDONESIA other countries respectively.
Margarines While distributors expressed interest in Barbadian margarine, they cautioned that it will have to PROSPECTS compete with the highly-popular option of a stick of butter. There were questions raised about the willingness of Belizeans to purchase a tub of margarine when they have a convenient alternative in sticks of butter.
Belize’s Imports of Processed Meats: 2014-2018 Processed Meats Available statistics indicate that in 2011, Belize had a per capita consumption of chicken meat of
approximately 109 lbs or 49.5 kgs per person per year and approximately 141 eggs per person per year, placing the country in one of the top positions in terms of egg consumption in the Caribbean and one of the top consumers of chicken meat in the Western hemisphere. Belizeans also consume approximately 10 lbs of pork per capita annually.
Much of the production of fresh meat and meat products is done by Belizeans in informal settings.
United States DENMARK BRAZIL However, organisations such as the Belize Poultry JAMAICA FRANCE other countries Association, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority
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(BAHA) and the Belizean Ag Community have worked closely with farmers and the commercial producers to address issues of national poultry health and food safety, with the goal of reaching self-sufficiency in the production of fresh meat. Processed Meats Despite this, approximately Bel$ 66.6 million PROSPECTS of processed meats were imported between Distributors have expressed an interest in canned 2014 and 2018, with more than half of this sausages from Barbados. They have stipulated, (55.2%) sourced from the United States of however, that the product must reach the shelves America. Denmark was also a principal source, at approximately Bel$ 1.25 per can if it is to be accounting for 24.3% of total imports, while competitive. The minimum import quantity is one 20- Brazil and Jamaica supplied 9.9% and 7.8% foot container. However, it would be preferable to have respectively. Chicken sausages, luncheon a 40-foot container since there are significant savings meat and hot dog sausages were among the relative to port charges. An opportunity also exists principal items imported. Canned processed for the establishment of a canning facility in Belize to meats are zero-rated in Belize, with Country package Belizean meats, fruits and vegetables. Barn and Grace bring the volume leaders.
Belize’s Imports of Soyabean Oil: 2014-2018 Soya Bean Oil
While there is some minor production of vegetable oils in Belize, the majority of oil used is imported. According to the International Trade Centre, Belizeans imported Bel$ 80.7 million of vegetable oils between 2014 and 2018, with fixed vegetable oils valued at Bel$ 30.6 million, olive oil at Bel$ 7.2 million, sunflower seed oil at Bel$ 18.7 million and coconut oil at Bel$ 1.7 million, among others. Currently, 123 Oil from Mexico is the best-selling brand.
United States MEXICO CHINA
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 19 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Official statistics record imports of Soyabean Soya Bean Oil PROSPECTS Oil into Belize for the five years ending 2018 Soyabean oil has lost much of its market share in Belize at Bel$ 17.7 million, having declined each of within the past three years. At the same time fixed the past three years. The United States of vegetable oil has increased its share. 123 Oil is easily America has been the principal source for shipped from Mexico and dominates the shelf space in Belizean imports, accounting for 91.6% over Belize. Barbadian producers of vegetable oil will have to the five-year period. Other sources have supply their products at comparable prices if their products been Mexico (8.1%) and China (0.2%). are to penetrate the market in Belize in any substantial way.
Belize’s Imports of Yoghurt: 2014-2018 Yoghurt
There is some yoghurt produced in the Mennonite communities, mainly for personal consumption. On a commercial scale, yoghurt is produced by Western Dairies, but it is all consumed domestically.
Official statistics indicate that approximately 3.4 million pounds of yoghurt was imported between 2014 and 2018, valued at Bel$ 4.5 million. Of this, 81.1% was sourced from Mexico and 18.8% from the United States of America. Yoplait under the Sigma line is the market leader. United States MEXICO CHINA
Yoghurt PROSPECTS
Distributors in Belize have reported that Belize because of the procedures of the consumers in Belize enjoy yoghurt. As Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). a result, they have expressed interest in BAHA may request to visit production Barbados’ yoghurt. They are interested in facilities in exporting countries which wish
information on the shelf life of the product to export dairy, meat etc. if these countries and will require a minimum shipment of a have had disease outbreaks etc. The 20-foot container if the product meets their producer from the exporting country will expectations. Some concern was raised that have to cover cost of inspection, along with the product may have difficulty in entering per diem etc. of the BAHA officers.
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Juices Non-traditional/Indigenous e.g. golden apple, soursop
Citrus is the second largest agricultural industry in Belize. Belize’s Imports Cultivation is concentrated in the Southern districts of Stann of Juices: 2014-2018 Creek and Toledo. However, expansion in cultivation has been recorded in the Western district of Cayo. The total area under cultivation is approximately 27,977 hectares. Particular care is being given to the protection of orchards in the country to avoid the introduction of pests or diseases that can decimate the industry. Citrus Products of Belize Ltd., the main processor, receives citrus fruits from members of the Belize Citrus Growers Association, mainly oranges, pineapples and grapefruits. With Belize’s aim to be self-sufficient in citrus juices, efforts are ongoing to increase the area under cultivation and to expand the yield of fruit and the production of fruit juices. Work is being undertaken in growing crops such as soursop and coconuts in commercial and sustainable quantities united States mexico St Lucia to be used for the production of juices and juice drinks, trinidad & tobago jamaica other countries packaged in tetra paks.
Belize’s Imports of Belize has set as one of its goals to be the source of Juice Drinks: 2014-2018 all citrus juices for the Caribbean and the country is reaching out to member states to be their supplier of choice. In its export thrust, CARICOM is supplied first. However, the price on the world market for citrus juices determines the price that Belize charges. In addition, the Government of Belize has introduced a 35% duty on extra-regional imports of citrus products.
While Belize gives focus to its production of citrus juices, there is also some import recorded of other types of juices and juice drinks. The Statistical Institute of Belize reports that almost three-quarters of imported juices are sourced from Costa Rica and juice drinks are brought into the country predominantly from the
united States mexico St Lucia United States of America (32.6%), Mexico (21%), St. trinidad & tobago jamaica other countries Lucia (21%) and Jamaica (14.9%).
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 21 Market Research Mission Report Belize Juices Non-traditional/Indigenous PROSPECTS
There is little scope for Barbadian citrus juices in Belize. However, some opportunity does exist for non-citrus juices and juice drinks. On the other hand, Belize can be a potential source of concentrate for Barbadian producers. The market offers a steady and consistent supply which can be used to fill containers used to ship Barbadian products to that market.
Share of Juices Imports Share of Juice Drinks Imports into Belize by Market: 2014 - 2018 into Belize by Market: 2014 - 2018 3.9% 3.9% 4.2%
4.8% 9% 4.8% 14.9% 32.6% 9.6% 72.7%
21% 21%
Costa Rica trinidad & tobago Guatemala United States Mexico st lucia
united states china other countries trinidad & tobago Honduras other countries
Belize’s Imports of Rum: 2014-2018 Rum Within Belizean borders, local distilleries satisfy the rum demands of the nationals. The Travellers Liquors Distillery produces one of Belize’s most popular rums, One Barrel Refined Old Rum which has won a number of gold medals in the “dark and light 80 proof” category at
the annual International Rum Festival. Travellers Liquors produces seventeen varieties of rum all together. Belizeans are also quite proud of Tiburón Rum, a handcrafted, aged, premium rum, from an old family, owned distillery. It has captured eight awards: Platinum at the SIP Awards: Packaging (2014), Gold at Craft Spirit Awards (2014), The Best Aged Rum (2014) and Spirits
of the Americas (2014), Silver at the International Wine United States panama dominican republic & Spirit Competition (2014), SIP Awards Rum (2014) and jamaica mexico other countries San Diego Spirits Festival Bottle 19.
22 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Rum Competition (2014) and Bronze at the San Francisco World Spirit (2014). It PROSPECTS has also received many very favourable online reviews. Belize has been Some interest was expressed by working towards self-sufficiency in the supply of rum. Efforts at protecting Karl H. Menzies for Barbadian rum. the sugar cane crops and ensuring the availability of quality molasses for the However, a warning was given to manufacture of the beverage have been ongoing, with education initiatives expect “sin” taxes on rum, one of and training sessions for the farmers and Government’s revenue generation producers alike. tools. Extensive marketing and Extensive marketing campaigns are also in place to instill a sense of national promotion will be required in pride and a love for Belizean products, including its rums. The campaign has the market, inclusive of product been successful, leading to declining imports of rum over the past five years. sampling and mixing, to determine Nevertheless, there are some imports recorded by official sources, coming the interest of Belizeans for primarily from the United States of America (39.8%), Panama (34%) and Barbadian offerings. Jamaica (10%).
Belize’s Imports of Rum: 2014-2018
Wines
The climate and soil in Belize are not suitable for growing the kinds of grapes used in the production of traditional wines. Consequently, Belize doesn’t produce any traditional grape- based wines of note. However, on Ambergris Caye, the Rendezvous Restaurant & Winery does in fact import grape juice for the purpose of producing and bottling their own wines, although they are really more of a novelty than a delicacy. In Belize, wine can be found made from Guava,
Cider Bark, Pumpkin, Blackberry, May plum, United States chile france panama Italy other countries Craboo, Monkey Apple, Mango, the notorious Cashew wine (known to change a man into his
alter ego after one glass), Coco plum, Serosi Wines (a herb), Sorrel, Bukut and Tonic wine. PROSPECTS
Consequently, there are imports of grape-based Imported wines are typically grape-based, but Belizeans enjoy
wines into the market, sourced primarily from the their local wines made from non-grape sources. This augurs United States of America (44.7%), Chile (20.1%), well for Barbadian wine producers if they can conduct product France (6.7%), Panama (4%) and Italy (8%). In 2018 sampling and testing events in the market, a critical component alone, Belize imported Bel$ 2.8 million of wines of any market entry strategy. Attention must also be given to from the United States of America. “sin” taxes that wines will attract.
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 23 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Ceramics/Pottery Belize’s Imports of Ceramics/Pottery: 2014-2018 Along with the cultural diversity of the 4.5 Belizean peoples comes the expression of 4.0 their cultural heritage in works of pottery. In villages across Belize can be found cultural 3.5 traditions being passed from generation 3.0
to generation. Various agencies in Belize 2.5 have been working with the villagers and 2.0 the village councils to preserve the heritage, 1.5 create jobs and generate income for families. Consequently, community cooperatives 1.0
such as the San Antonio Pottery Co-op have 0.5 been formed, catering to both the Belizean 0.0 community and visitors to the island as well. 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
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Despite this, the Statistical Institute of Belize
10.1% reports that just under Bel$ 50 million in ceramic products and pottery were imported 10.8% into Belize between 2014 and 2018, i.e. an 36.8% average of Bel$ 9.4 million per year. The 11.5% majority of items imported have been tiles and bathroom fixtures. While Mexico is the principal 14.1% 16.7% source for these items, having accounted for Bel$ 3.6 million in 2018, some products are also sourced from Guatemala, China and the United States of America. Share of Ceramics/Pottery Imports into Belize by Market: 2014 - 2018
Ceramics/Pottery There was no interest expressed in ceramic products and pottery from Barbados because of a very PROSPECTS weak consumer demand for imported pottery. Barbadian producers will need to carry out additional research into the market and a cost-benefit analysis to make any definitive decision on marketing or promotion of their products in Belize.
24 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Belize’s Imports of Glasswork: 2014-2018 Glasswork There is minor production of glass articles in Belize. The art of working in glass is found in some villages and remote communities, being passed down from one generation to the next. However, the glass workers do not have the capacity to meet the existing demand for glass products in the market.
Reports from the Statistical Institute of Belize indicate that approximately Bel$ 6.3 million of articles made of glass are imported annually from the United States of America (25.4%), Guatemala (20.5%), Mexico (19.7%), Costa Rica (18.2%) and China (9.2%). The majority of the imports are glass bottles for soft
United States Guatemala china drinks, beer, wines and spirits (55.7%), being used by mexico costa rica other countries the beverages industry.
Glasswork There was no interest expressed in Belize for articles made of glass from Barbados. Barbadian PROSPECTS producers will need to engage in targeted marketing and promotion since Belizeans prefer those articles that reflect their heritage and tourists are bombarded by cheap imports from across Central America and China.
Prices Envelopes PRODUCT QTY PRICE
Over the past five years, Belize has A10 Single $0.28 Bel spent an average of Bel$ 427,000 annually on the import of envelopes. Airmail Single $0.11 Bel Of this, four out of every five dollars was spent on products sourced from Bazic No. 6 ¼ Self-Seal Box of 65 $4.50 Bel the United States of America. Envelopes sourced from Trinidad and Tobago also K110-RS Single $0.56 Bel featured prominently in Belize, with that market accounting for 13.4% of imports. K98-RS Single $0.51 Bel
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 25 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Envelopes PROSPECTS Belize’s Imports of Glasswork: 2014-2018
There was no expression of interest in envelopes from Barbados. In order for Barbadian manufacturers of envelopes to successfully penetrate the market in Belize, they will need to be able to supply envelopes at retail prices comparable to those listed above.
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Belize’s Imports of Paper Labels: 2014-2018
Paper Labels
Between 2014 and 2018, Belizeans spent a total of Bel$ 12.4 million on the import of paper labels, sourced chiefly from Mexico (25.7%), Trinidad and Tobago (28.6%), Germany (14.8%), the United States of America (12.9%) and Guatemala (7.1%).
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Paper Labels PROSPECTS
There was no expression of interest in printed labels from Barbados. It will be necessary for Barbadian producers of labels to engage companies on an individual basis or through the Belize Chamber of Commerce.
26 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Printed Forms Printing was first introduced to Belize in 1825. Print Belize to Guatemala. Limited is one of the key printers in the country which mainly The Belizean publishing industry is a small one with only a deals with producing posters, flyers, magazines, brochures few publishing firms. Private local firms Cubola Productions and other business materials. Other printers include BRC and The Angelus Press compete with transnational Printing Ltd which promotes itself as providing good quality, publishers Pearson (Longman) and Macmillan, major players economical educational materials for the country’s youth. in educational publishing, who operate indirectly from their However, reports are that most large print jobs are outsourced Caribbean headquarters in countries in the region.
Printed Forms It will be necessary to canvass companies individually to determine their interests in Barbadian printing PROSPECTS services. It will be advantageous to form alliances with marketing and promotion firms in Belize which will advise companies on marketing initiatives and promotional strategy.
Soaps
A number of soap producers operate in Belize. These Prices are typically small manufacturers who make the soaps PRODUCT SUPPLIER by hand. The market in Belize offers a variety of options, Rubba Dub Soap Rubba Dub including aroma therapeutic, herbal, deodorant, facial, • Caribbean Cool • Chocolate Mint $18.00 Bel • Herbal Scents • Cinnamon Spice Soap Co. deodorant, skin-softening, shave, insect repellent and • Farmer’s Scrub • Lemon Lavender fragrance free for babies. Soaps are reported to cater to normal to oily skin, dry chapped skin, psoriasis and Ix - Canan Soap • Caribbean Cool • Herbal Scents Art Box $10.98 Bel eczema. Producers generally make the claim that the • Ylang Ylang soaps are all natural, meaning no animal products, no Foaming Whipped Belizean chemicals or additives. They are utilized heavily by Breezes $32.00 Bel Sugar Scrub Soap Co. Belizeans and in spas and hotels where spa treatments are offered. Belizean Karma Bar Soap Breezes $18.00 Bel SBDCBelize provides assistance to producers in areas Soap Co. of financing, marketing, and marketing research.
Belizean Breezes and Bella Dees are among the leading BodyBelize $3.97 - Monkey Balls Apothecary manufacturers in the market. • Jungle Soap $6.63 Bel Belize also imports a significant amount of soaps.
Over the five years ended 2018, Bel$ 84.2 million of BodyBelize Sand Dollar Soap Apothecary $4.98 Bel various types of soaps entered the market, ranging from detergents to industrial soaps, bath soaps and soaps Belizean for medical purposes. Mexico and the United States of SelfieBar Soap Breezes $18.00 Bel Soap Co. America accounted for more than 80% of this value.
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 27 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Soaps Belize’s Imports of Soaps: 2014-2018 PROSPECTS
There is a growing demand for natural soaps in Belize, both among the general consumer and hotels where spas are operated. The demand far outstrips the supply and, for many consumers, there is a lengthy waiting period to receive an order. This presents a viable opportunity for Barbadian manufacturers of natural soaps who are able to make quick turnarounds and generate substantial output in a production cycle.
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Lotions Belize’s Imports of Lotions: 2014-2018
There is a growing business in Belize in the production of handmade lotions. With its origin in the passing down of skills from generation to generation, the production of these products is now being commercialised and the products are being successfully introduced into spas and hotels. Reviews have been positive and visitors have sought to acquire the products even when they return home. This has led to the introduction and expansion of Belizean websites to provide e-commerce capabilities. It is also attracting the attention and intervention of United States china panama south korea guatemala other countries the Belizean Government through Beltraide, which is organising training programmes and business development initiatives for the Lotions producers. PROSPECTS Belize imports just under Bel$ 2 million in lotions each year, mostly from the United There was no interest expressed in Belize for lotions from Barbados. States of America which accounts for 81% Price will be a critical factor in this market as that is of paramount of the total value imported. Panama (6.6%), concern to Belizeans. Given that the minimum import quantity is a China (4.6%) and Guatemala (1.7%) account 20-foot container, it may be necessary to consolidate shipments to for the majority of the remaining imports. minimize shipping costs.
28 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Prices
Hair Products PRODUCT DETAILS
Belizeans derive much from their heritage and Cocovera is a hot oil treatment and CocoVera also a natural deep conditioner for environment, both of which they go to great lengths deep follicle nourishment, reduces Hair hair fall, moisturizes skin and to protect. The healing properties of natural herbs Therapy hair, stimulates hair growth, and $10.00 Bel strengthens hair. Made from 100% and plants have been used by the Mayans for 46 ml pure Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera Gel and Garlic centuries and natural healing is still widely used in the country. From the natural Cocotea hair and body oil made CocoTea from virgin coconut oil and tea plants grown in Belizean jungles are being produced Hair & tree essential oil. Provides deep follicle nourishment, revitalizes, $10.00 Bel various resins and extracts that are being used in Body Oil moisturizes and strengthens hair, 46 ml soothes dry skin and scalp, and the production of hair products, among other things. prevents dandruff. Support for the commercialisation of these product and the sustainability of these startups is being Cocoshea hair and body butter Cocoshea made with organic Shea butter, Hair & coconut oil, vitamin E, aloe Vera gel provided through training programmes and business and castor oil. Rich with skin and $14.00 Bel Body Butter hair boosting properties, promotes development initiatives being organised by the 3.65 oz hair growth and natural hair and skin regime. Government of Belize through Beltraide. Within the five years ended 2018, Belizeans CocoMint Cocomint is made from 100% pure coconut oil with Peppermint imported Bel$ 9.3 million in hair products comprising Hair & essential oil. It stimulates hair $10.00 Bel Body Oil growth, aids in oil secretion in skin, shampoos (53.9%), hair lacquers (12.6%), hair-waving relieves dry scalp, moisturizes, and 46 ml strengthens hair. preparations (1.9%) and other hair preparations (31.6%). Hair products were sourced primarily from As I Am the United States of America (60.7%), but also came Twist Twist in High Def! Take the Coils $26.00 & Curls that Nature Gave You to from Mexico (27.7%), Guatemala (3.1%), China (3.4%) Defining the Max! Bel Cream and Colombia (0.8%).
Belize’s Imports of Hair Products: 2014-2018 Hair Products PROSPECTS
No distributors in Belize indicated an interest in hair products from Barbados. However, the diversity of people in Belize offers the opportunity to hair products manufacturers in Barbados to target a variety of hair types. Price will be a critical factor in this market as that is of paramount concern to Belizeans. Given that the minimum import quantity is a 20-foot container, it may be
necessary to consolidate shipments to minimize shipping costs.
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Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 29 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Uniforms Uniforms PROSPECTS
Conservative estimates of demand for uniforms suggest that The Belize garment industry no longer has the there is a lucrative opportunity in the manufacture of uniforms capacity it did in the 1980s to cater to the demand in Belize. With more than 1,000 policemen, more than 1,000 for uniforms. Much of the work to produce these officers in the Belize Defence Force, more than 60,000 garments is outsourced. Barbadian garment students in school, over 2,000 teachers, in excess of 1,000 manufacturers should seek to capitalise on this nurses and doctors, over 6,000 workers in Government, more opportunity. However, the consistency of supply and than 1,000 utility workers and in excess of 6,000 workers in the the ability to respond in quick time will be critical. Tourism industry, each needing two or more uniforms over the Competition with neighbouring countries Mexico and course of a year, the possibility exists to generate over Bel$ 5 Guatemala, who have the capacity to respond quickly million per year. and in large volumes, will also be a major factor.
Belize’s Imports of Garments: 2014-2018 Garments The garment industry in Belize is a shadow of what it was thirty to forty years ago. In 1980, the garment industry was Belize’s second largest industry. By 1990, it had dropped to fourth behind sugar, tourism, and citrus. Today, Belize imports the majority of its garments. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, garment imports average Bel$ 103 million per year, comprising cotton jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waist-coats, briefs and panties for females, printed T-shirts, trousers and shorts for males and females, track suits, underpants and briefs for males and a host of other articles. These are sourced primarily from China (41.6%), Panama (25.6%), Hong Kong (14.1%), the United States of America (9.1%) and India (2.8%). china panama hong Kong United States India other countries
Garments Following the decline of the garment industry plant in Belize where it is closer to the market. PROSPECTS in Belize, there is a huge gap for the production Alternatively, a Barbadian company can set up in of garments. Barbados has the potential to the free zone or an export processing zone where
supply much of the deficit. Unit costs will be a it would benefit from a number of Government key factor in determining the responsiveness incentives in place for such companies. However, of Belizeans as their decision to purchase is setting up in one of these zones restricts the primarily influenced by price. To circumvent this, company from doing business with Belizeans. All the option is available to set up a manufacturing production has to be exported.
30 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Belize’s Imports of Footwear: 2014-2018 Footwear
There is some footwear manufactured in some Belizean villages and remote areas. However, the majority of footwear is imported, particularly from China, which accounted for more 60% of the value of imports over the five-year period from 2014 to 2018. In 2018 alone, Belize sourced over Bel$ 20.9 million in footwear from China, Bel$ 9.5 million from Hong Kong, Bel$ 6 million from Panama and Bel$ 5 million from the United States of America.
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Footwear No interest was indicated in footwear from Barbados. Producers in Barbados will find it quite PROSPECTS challenging to compete with the Asian sources on price. Supplying the market will also present some challenges as distributors insist on a minimum import quantity of a 20-foot container. It will be necessary for producers to consider consolidation of shipments with other suppliers of similar or other products.
Advertising & Marketing Consultancy Services
Advertising in Belize is done mainly through radio, space. Additionally, greater use is being made of billboards across newspapers, magazines, and television. The country the country, especially in remote areas and sections of the country has 12 FM stations, one AM station and a number of not receiving sufficiently strong signals for radio and television. weekly newspapers, which include Amandala, The Digital marketing and advertising through social media are relatively Belize Times, The Reporter and The San Pedro Sun. new media in Belize, but are also gaining in popularity particularly There is a monthly official paper, Belize Today and among the younger generation. Companies seek to provide Google the United Democratic Party publishes campaigns and data analytics as part of their offerings. There are The Guardian. There are frequent commercial a growing number of websites related to business and tourism in breaks on both the national and local television Belize, which offer prime advertising space. As part of this, Belize stations, allowing for the purchase of advertising Telemedia Limited’s ‘E-Directory’ in now online, allowing advertisers
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 31 Market Research Mission Report Belize
to reach a wider audience. The advertising and marketing industry in Belize gives
considerable focus to the tourism market. In 2011, Belize Advertising & spent approximately US$6 million on marketing the Marketing Consultancy Services PROSPECTS country as a tourism destination. Of note is that much of the high-profile advertising and marketing tends to be One marketing consultant estimated that there outsourced to large international firms. are 15 – 20 companies in Belize with a budget to There are also a limited number of locally based carry out country-wide campaigns. This suggests advertising firms. Prominent amongst these is Idea Lab that Barbadian service providers will have to help Studios, the leading full service advertising agency. The Belizean companies to appreciate the need to marketing industry is served by a number of specialised invest in advertising, marketing and public relations. firms, many of which focus on internet marketing, such as Belize continues to benefit from both foreign direct Global Marketing, Naturalight Productions and TAS Belize. investment and access to loans and grant funding The PR industry in the country is experiencing growth, for various social and infrastructural development especially with the advent of tourism as a major revenue projects. Usually, there is a marketing and promotion source. This is usually achieved through outsourcing to component of these initiatives which Barbadian foreign firms. Amongst the locally based leaders are PR businesses can target. agency Nauta Vero and the internet marketing and PR company Become Caribbean.
Building & Construction Services
Official statistics for 2017 estimate that construction activity Architects of Belize (APAB) and the Association of Professional contributes 4% to the Gross Domestic Product GDP, driven Engineers of Belize (APEB) are the relevant professional primarily through demand from the public sector. The organisations. Ministry of Works is responsible for a significant proportion In accordance with the Laws of Belize, anyone who wishes of this through its work on the construction of public works, to practice as an Architect or offer Architectural Service bridge construction and maintenance, road construction (regardless of the size of Building is required under the Section and maintenance, and rural water supply infrastructure. The 15(1) of the Professional Architects (Registration) Act[2003] to be Ministry of Housing & Urban Development focuses on housing a registered APAB Architect. The penalty for practising without development, town planning and urban renewal. Most of this a valid registration is a fine not exceeding ($5000.00) five work is done through bidding by local and international private thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding contractors and engineers. The Association of Professional two years.
32 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Building & Construction Services PROSPECTS
There is hive of construction activity currently underway in Belize as various infrastructural development projects are being executed. Belize has secured several loans and grant funds from international organisations for the upgrade and improvement of its roads, schools and housing. Expectations are that additional funds will be secured for other projects in the pipeline. Discussions with a representative from the architects association indicates that there are more projects now in Belize than the contractors can manage and some projects are being delayed until a contractor completes his current obligations. Barbadian architects, engineers and construction firms should monitor the calls for proposal published at caricom.org/work-with-us/ procurement and register as a service provider at vendors.caricom.org/.
Human Resource Consultancy Services
The Government of Belize has put in place a Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) as a modernisation initiative and component of the Belize Public Sector Reform Strategy. The HRMIS facilitates the automation of human resources management activities in an effort to act as a strategic partner in the Ministry of the Finance, Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities and is composed of modules for Job and Positions, Employment, Recruitment, Skills, and Training Modules that function to store, maintain and disseminate valuable human resource information. Through the system, there is easier access to human resource information, enabling improved decision making leading to the development of the Belize Public Service human capital. The implementation of the HRMIS fosters information sharing, communication, standardization, reduction in error, increase monitoring and overall synergy among government ministries to assist in developing a responsive public service.
Human Resource It was not possible to meet with anyone in the field of human resources consultancy services Consultancy Services during the visit, preventing an effective analysis of opportunities in the public or private service for PROSPECTS Barbadian service providers.
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 33 Market Research Mission Report Belize
ICT ICT Electronic Services Electronic Services (Security, Surveillance, etc.) PROSPECTS
ICT is considered an emerging sector Opportunities exist in Belize in areas such as business process in Belize and deals largely with outsourcing, information technology outsourcing, knowledge process offshore call centres. outsourcing and legal process outsourcing. These investments usually There exists a data and e-commerce qualify for incentives under the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) park located in Ladyville, near the Programme. The bilingual nature of many Belizeans also makes the international airport outside Belize workforce ripe for call center staffing purposes. City. This facility caters to online There has been consistent effort by the Government of Belize through gaming companies, online software the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) to management services, and offshore augment industry infrastructure and labour force training, providing the customer service centers. opportunity for Barbadian companies to engage Belize in these areas, Offshore call centers supplying especially by filling existing gaps by providing the cross-training needed services to foreign clients can apply in this industry. Service diversification will include new offerings including for incentives under the Export technical support, software development, programming, web design and Processing Zone (EPZ) Program. e-marketing.
Sugar
Sugar accounts for 60% of Belize’s agricultural exports. Sugar cane, the country’s principal crop is used both Belize’s Imports of Sugar: 2014-2018 for sugar production and as a feed stock for ethanol production. Belize is CARICOM’s second largest sugar producer and represents approximately one-third of the production in the Caribbean. The sector, directly and indirectly, employs 15 percent of the country’s population and represents 34 percent of its exports. Between the loss of preferential markets in the United Kingdom for sugar exports and record lows in the global price of sugar, Belize’s sugar industry has been going through a difficult time. In February 2019, Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), owned by the American Sugar Refineries Group (ASR/BSI), secured a
loan of US$15 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to assist with the industry’s adaptation to these
United States guatemala mexico changes. The financing will allow the company to increase columbia New taiwan other countries its production and exports of higher value-added sugars,
34 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
diversify its export markets and strengthen its value export processing zone, Santander brings new technology chain. In addition, BSI will make investments to its mill to the sugar cane farming and milling industry that has aimed at mitigating the fall in prices of raw sugar in the generated increased yields of production, created new jobs European Union, its main export market, by increasing for Belizeans and facilitated skills transfers. The company its production capacity to market products that attract also invested in the development of a high-tech sugar higher prices in the international markets than raw sugar. loading facility at Big Creek Port, increasing its capacity IDB Invest will complement the financing with technical to both store and efficiently load molasses and sugar assistance to help improve the agricultural productivity products. and sustainability of the sugar cane producers in northern Belize. While there is no market for Barbadian sugar in Belize, this market is a rich source of molasses, brown and white sugar An investment by Guatemalan based company, the for local bakers, confectioners and beverage producers. Santander Group, has effected the operation of a new, The country produces high quality sugar and this can be state-of-the-art sugar mill in Belize, utilizing a variety of considered when seeking to fill empty containers after the sustainable and efficient methods. Operating from an shipment of Barbadian goods to Belize.
Sugar While there is no market for Barbadian sugar in Belize, this market is a rich source of molasses, PROSPECTS brown and white sugar for local bakers, confectioners and beverage producers. The country produces high quality sugar and this can be considered when seeking to fill empty containers after the shipment of Barbadian goods to Belize.
Belize’s Imports of Solar Water Heaters Solar Water Heaters: 2014-2018
No solar water heaters were observed on buildings seen or visited. Typically hot water is generated through the use of electric heaters. Imports of solar water heating units are weak, with an annual average of just under a quarter of a million Belize dollars between 2014 and 2018, the majority of which are sourced from the United States of America (36.1%), Mexico (23%) and China (20.9%).
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Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 35 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Solar Water Heaters PROSPECTS
According to the 2010 Population and Housing Census, four of every five households (82.3%) occupy an undivided private house, similar to the situation (83.7%) found at Census 2000. Corozal and Orange Walk had the highest proportion of households in this category at On average two out of three households in Belize 90% and 88% respectively, while three quarters usually use a flush toilet while 30.6% use the pit latrine. of households in the Belize District occupied Additionally, 38.1 percent of households in the country had undivided private houses. The Belize District their toilets outside of their dwelling. Country-wide, almost had the highest proportion of households living one of every seven households share their toilets with in flats/apartments/condominiums (12.4%), and at least one other household. This is due to some extent 14% of Stann Creek’s households occupied other to the relatively high number of households that live in dwelling types such as barracks and ‘combined barracks that serve the banana and citrus industries. About business and dwelling’. one-tenth (11.7%) of households in the country have no fixed bathing facility. Additionally, a quarter of the country’s
At the national level half of all households owned households have their bathing facility outside of their their dwellings free and clear and another 13.9% dwelling. The main source of water for general household had a home mortgage, with the highest rate of use is from the public water supply. Of this, 85.7% of home-ownership in the Toledo (67.6%) and Corozal households have their water piped into their dwelling or (60.2%) districts. Four of every five households yard only from either the public or a private source. (81.0%) used sheet metal as the roofing material While these statistics do offer some opportunity for the of choice, and another 12.5% used concrete. engagement of solar water heaters in Belize, they also However, 46.1% of households indicated that their highlight the financial challenges that will face Belizeans in dwelling is in need of some kind of repairs. Of the installation of these units. Typically, a large proportion these 36,619 dwellings, 39% were reported as of the households with owned dwellings face structural requiring major repairs or as irreparable, while challenges with their buildings and need additional another 25 percent require moderate repairs. plumbing work to accommodate the units. Efforts will Toledo had the highest proportion of households have to be targeted initially at landlords and owners and reporting that their dwellings either needed major developers of commercial buildings who must be sensitised repairs or were irreparable (43.6%). to the untapped opportunities in solar and should be in a better position to make the initial investment. Alliances with the Association of Professional Engineers of Belize (APEB)
and the Association of Professional Architects of Belize (APAB) will allow the investment to be built into the overall project costs of new constructions.
36 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Belize’s Trade with the Caribbean Community
Belize’s Imports from The International Trade Centre reports that Belize imported US$ 25.3 CARICOM Member States: 2018 million in goods from CARICOM member states in 2018.
Most of the goods of CARICOM 3% 3% Tobacco Products 20% 4% origin imported into Belize during 4% that year were sourced from Trinidad Beer 12% 5% and Tobago, which accounted for 6% Undenatured ethyl 9% 55% 55%. Goods produced in Jamaica alcohol recorded a share of 21% in 2018, 21% while products from Saint Lucia, Insulated Wire 8% Guyana, Grenada, Barbados, Paints & Varnishes 8% St. Vincent and the Grenadines accounted for shares between Plywood & 5% 6% and 3%. The top 10 product Other Wooden Sheets Trinidad & Tobago jamaica st lucia guyana categories imported into Belize Fertilisers 4% grenada barbados from CARICOM member states in st Vincent & other 2018 were valued at US$ 18 million Flour 4% the grenadines and accounted for 71% of the total Bakers’ Wares 3% Source: International Trade Centre imports from CARICOM. The principal commodities were:
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 37 Market Research Mission Report Belize
During 2018, tobacco products were imported from Trinidad and Tobago (93%) and Jamaica (7%) only. Belizeans also sourced beer from St. Lucia (40%), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (29%), St. Kitts/Nevis (22%), Jamaica (9%) and Trinidad and Tobago (1%). In 2018, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago supplied all of Belize’s imports of undenatured ethyl alcohol from within the Region, accounting for 47% and 53% respectively and Trinidad and Tobago suppled all the insulated wire that Belize sourced from CARICOM.
Belize’s Principal Imports from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 2016 – 2018 Unit: US Dollar thousand
1101 1601 1905 2103
Wheat or Sausages etc. Bakers’ Sauces, mixed meslin flour of meat, offal or blood Wares condiments/seasonings
2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 1,633 1,106 948 688 764 627 353 372 709 299 318 354
2202 2203 2208 2402 Waters containing Beer made Undenatured Tobacco added sugar from malt ethyl alcohol Products of strength <80%
2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 1,342 1,497 518 4,049 2,675 2,920 2,186 1,457 2,175 4,305 3,977 4,305
2833 3102 3208 3210 Sulphates, alums, Nitrogenous Fertilisers Paints/Varnishes Paints/Varnishes peroxosulphates Mineral or Chemical From Synthetic Not Synthetic Polymers
2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 180 169 296 855 792 982 1,197 865 970 1,216 962 945
3808 4412 4818 4821
Insecticides, Plywood, Toilet paper and Paper or paperboard rodenticides, etc. Veneered panel etc. similar paper labels of all kinds
2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 546 763 503 822 1,296 1,368 410 405 326 585 390 359
4823 7610 8544 9404
Paper, paperboard in Structures Insulated Mattress strips or rolls and parts of structures wire, Cable Supports
2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 674 735 693 812 615 353 1,457 1,376 2,010 330 369 380
38 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Overall, Trinidad and Tobago found Belize to be a receptive market for the supply of 69 distinct product categories which include fertilisers, paper rolls, bakers’ wares, paints and varnishes, mattress supports, insecticides etc., toilet paper, paper/paperboard labels, preserved fruits and nuts, fruit juices, glass containers, mineral waters, registers, account books, notebooks and order books. Jamaica, on the other hand, exported 67 broad product categories to Belize in 2018 which included paints and varnishes, sausages, sauces and condiments, sulphates, vermouth, beer, wadding, gauze and dressings, cocoa powder, packing containers made from paper or paperboard and worn clothing and clothing accessories.
Summary According to the Export Potential Map of the International Trade Centre, there are 383 product categories for Barbados with export potential in of Findings Belize. These are:
Raw cane sugar Apple juice, unfermented Miscellaneous chemical Fixed electrical resistors, products >=20W Bread, pastry Rum Modified natural Grill of iron or steel wire polymers, chemical Carboys & other glass derivatives of natural Sails containers rubber, nes
Groats & meal of maize Sausages & similar products Cargo containers Oilcake of soya-bean oil
Insecticides, rodenticides, Oscilloscopes & similar Soya-bean oil (excl. Cargo Vessels, Nes fungicides, herbicides instruments crude) & fractions & similar
Contact lenses Other unedible animal Stoppers, caps & lids Liqueurs & cordials products Sweet biscuits Denatured ethyl alcohol Paints & varnishes, & other spirits incl. enamels, etc. Margarine (excl liquid) Tanks capacity of <50L Door/windows Paper(-board) labels, non-printed Medicaments consisting Undenatured of mixed or unmixed ethyl alcohol Electrical variable products, for retail sale Paper(-board) labels, resistors, nes printed Wheat or meslin flour
Fixed electrical resistors, Medicaments containing <=20W insulin, for retail sale Portland cement White portland cement
3 See Figure 1 on page 41 and Figure 2 on page 42
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 39 Market Research Mission Report Belize
The Export Potential Map identifies the products with Portland Margarine Paper(-board) greatest export potential from Barbados to Belize as cement (excl liquid) labels, printed
Barbados has the highest supply capacity in Rum, Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products, for retail sale while the product that faces the strongest demand potential in Belize is
Oran’s aluminium doors and windows were prominently associations to undertake an extensive marketing displayed in one hardware store. Distributors showed and promotion campaign to sensitise businesses and particular interest in canned sausages, soyabean oil, rum, consumers to the offerings of Barbadian producers. The margarine and yoghurt. Reports are that Belizeans are delivery of some services will also require the registration motivated primarily by price and, in a number of cases, of the Barbadian service provider with Belizean regulatory cheap alternatives to Barbadian products are available authorities. in the market, sourced from other Central American
countries, especially Guatemala and Mexico. Barbadian companies can establish operations in Belize’s Designated Processing Areas or Commercial Free Zones. Producers in Barbados can source raw materials from Companies operating in the processing areas may qualify Belize such as high-quality sugar and high-grade for various tax exemptions for a period of up to ten years, molasses that may be used in the production of rum and preferential tax rates on Income and Business Tax and confectionery. Citrus crops are also available in Belize can maintain a foreign currency account in a domestic or in large quantities and can be used by producers of international bank located in Belize. Companies in the free juice and juice drinks, while Barbadian chocolatiers can zones are able to access incentives that include exemptions acquire high-quality cacao and cocoa for the production from several taxes and duties and the facility to deduct of their delicacies. losses incurred over the five-year tax holiday from profits
It will require the formation of alliances with the industry realised in the three years following the tax holiday period.
40 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Market Research Mission Report Belize
Summary of Opportunities
Export Raw Material Observations Opportunities Sources in Services
Aluminium doors Advertising and Marketing Sugar Consultancy services and windows
Canned sausages Molasses Building and construction services
Soyabean oil Business process outsourcing Citrus Information technology Rum outsourcing Cacao Margarine Knowledge process outsourcing
Yoghurt Cocoa Legal process outsourcing
General Opportunities Establish operations in Designated Processing Areas or Commercial Free Zones
Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 41 Market Research Mission Report Belize Market Research Mission Report Belize
Barbados’s Products with Potential to Belize Figure 1 – Gap Chart Showing Barbados’ Products with Export Potential to Belize
42 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 43 Market Research Mission Report Belize Market Research Mission Report Belize
Barbados’s Products with Potential to Belize Figure 2 - Barbados’ Products with Export Potential to Belize by Rank
44 Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Barbados Investment & Development Corporation 45 Market Research Mission Report Belize
Market Penetration Strategy
Belize offers limited potential to Barbadian producers and the BIDC stands ready and willing to offer support and assistance to companies with a serious interest in doing business with this market.
Given the protectionist policies and the level of informal and cross-border activity in Belize, market penetration by Barbadian producers will face several challenges. In addition, producers in Barbados must give sufficient attention to addressing supply-side constraints. The following market penetration strategy is therefore recommended as the most effective way for strengthening exports going into Belize:
An Organised Trade Mission Targeted Business 1 to Belize in November 2019 2 and Market Intelligence As Barbados and Belize are both members of The BIDC must ensure that current information CARICOM, trade between them is governed by regarding the activities in Belize and those the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which allows impacting that market are at the disposal of for duty-free, quota free trade in goods except Barbadian businessmen and producers. Export where Article 164 is in force (see Appendix 6.2). To seminars highlighting market opportunities, effectively penetrate this market, it will be critical for market penetration strategies and supply-side Barbadian producers to directly engage potential enhancement initiatives need to be an integral counterparts in Belize through a trade mission. This and consistent component of the Corporation’s mission should involve manufacturers of the products deliverables. This ensures that BIDC personnel that have the greatest export potential, especially remain abreast of any developments impacting those that are among the principal imports into the ability of Barbadian producers to supply Belize. This mission should be coordinated during the market in Belize and allows for meaningful the latter months of 2019 and should encompass an and timely strategic interventions. These exhibition and showcase, as well as key meetings seminars also allow for business development with distributors, a forum with key members of the officers to determine the export-readiness of
diaspora and visits to retail outlets. producers and their interest in the market.
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Improved Way Summary Actions 3 of Doing Business Shipping of products has been a for Proposed Market perennial challenge for Barbadian Penetration Strategy producers. It has reduced the country’s competitiveness with markets such ACTION ACTION as Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica Provide business intelligence which are better equipped to handle Strengthen Barbados’ in support of conducting visibility in Belize business and exporting to the transportation of goods across Belize through the hosting of a BIDC-led trade mission 1. Arrange annual Export the Region and further afield. In order Seminars for Barbados to achieve increased 2. Conduct needs analysis to frame programme of exports on a consistent basis, it will assistance to exporting firms and design market AGENCY need to secure more reliable and timely entry strategies 3. Identify export and shipping routes and arrangements. investment opportunities BIDC Discussions are critical to negotiate Min. of Int’l Business & Industry contracts with shipping lines that will AGENCY BIDC improve this deficiency. BNSI
TIMELINE TIMELINE 2019/20 Ongoing Technical Assistance for 4 Promotional Activity Given the level of support by ACTION ACTION
Belizeans for their products, Address challenges of Provide In-market support doing business in Belize marketing and marketing support • Arrange Barbadian • Initiate talks on companies’ participation in trade fairs, trade will need to be an essential part of developing adequate air and sea transport links missions, market visits and appointment any market penetration strategy for
Barbadian producers. In addition AGENCY
AGENCY to training seminars for Barbadian • BIDC • BMA • Min. of Int’l • C’bean businesses in the areas of marketing Business Shipping BIDC & Industry Association Min. of Foreign Affairs and promotion, the Corporation • Min. of • Min. of & Foreign Trade Foreign Tourism Affairs& & Civil should make provisions to assist with Foreign Aviation Trade activities such as in-store sampling,
circulation of recipes using uniquely TIMELINE TIMELINE Bajan products, and should absorb Ongoing Ongoing some or all of the cost of providing in-store promotional material like shelf-talkers, banners and product brochures where needed.
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Guide to Doing Business with Belize
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
Belize is a small open economy located in Central America performance of the services sector and the resilience of the with historical trade links to the Caribbean. Of note is that agro-productive sector, particularly the sugar, banana and Belize holds an advantage because of its strategic location citrus industries which contribute significantly to the country’s close to large markets of Guatemala, Mexico and the USA. foreign exchange earnings. Belize’s economy remains rooted in the significant
POPULATION AREA POPULATION DENSITY
KM2 PER 22,960 408,487 44.90 SQ. MI 8,867 SQ. MI
POPULATION URBAN POLITICAL FORM OF GROWTH POPULATION SYSTEM GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENTARY PRIME 1.88% 176,335 DEMOCRACY MINISTER
LANGUAGE CURRENCY ADMINISTRATION RELIGION ENGLISH BELIZE DOLLAR 6 ROMAN CATHOLIC/ SPANISH IS WIDELY SPOKEN BZ $2 = US $1 DISTRICTS PROTESTANT
CAPITAL BUSINESS MAJOR TRADE MAJOR TRADE CITY HOURS PARTNERS (EXPORTS) PARTNERS (IMPORTS) BELMOPAN MON - FRI UK, USA, JAMAICA, ITALY, USA, CHINA, 8AM - 4:30PM BARBADOS, IRELAND MEXICO, GUATEMALA
MAJOR EXPORTS MAJOR EXPORTS SUGAR, BANANAS, CITRUS, CLOTHING FISH MACHINERY & TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, MANUFACTURED GOODS, PRODUCTS, MOLASSES, WOOD, CRUDE OIL FUELS; CHEMICALS, PHARMACEUTICALS; FOOD; BEVERAGES, TOBACCO
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Ease of Doing Challenges of Doing Business in Belize Business in Belize
The following factors lend to the ease The following factors lend to the challenges of doing business with Belize: of doing business with Belize
Proximity to USA and links Existence of non-tariff barriers (import licenses, with Central America price controls, high tariffs)
Stable political environment Fragile correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) Bilingual language skills
Corruption (land title fraud) Availability of connecting flights via Panama and US into Belize
Bureaucratic delays Member of CARICOM and multiple trade and investment agreements
Illegal importation Stable currency
Open economy
Skilled labour force
Economic In 2018, Belize’s economy expanded by 3.0%, to the 5.9% expansion in “Electricity and Water”, Prospects following a 1.4% rebound in 2017. The growth which overshadowed marginal declines in rate more than doubled with higher secondary “Manufacturing” and “Construction”. and tertiary sector production, as primary output weakened. Primary production slowed The tertiary sector provided the largest to 3.4% in 2018 from 9.8% the year before, as contribution to GDP growth, expanding by 3.6% “Agriculture” decelerated to 3.6%, hampered by with positive results recorded in all service-based adverse weather and the damaging effects of industries, except “Other Private Services”. citrus diseases. However, double-digit increases Notably, growth in “Hotels and Restaurants” and in cattle and swine production lifted livestock’s “Transport and Communication” were supported value-added contribution to agricultural output. by stellar increases in overnight arrivals and
Further, “Fishing” recovered to 1.1%, bolstered by cruise ship disembarkations, while “Wholesale a turnaround in farmed shrimp production and and Retail Trade” was boosted by heightened a significant rise in conch wild catch. Secondary commercial free zone (CFZ) sales. output rose by 0.5%, up from 0.1% in 2017, due In the first four months of 2019, broad money
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rose by 4.0%, underpinned by modest expansions in net financial stability. On the upside, additional foreign direct foreign assets of 5.2% or ($44.7mn) and net domestic credit investment, including the tourism industry’s expansion, and 2.2% ($60.0mn) of the banking system4. successful implementation of the Growth and Sustainable It has been highlighted that, the country’s economic recovery Development Strategy (GSDS) could result in a sustained rise is strengthening, supported by a favorable global environment. in growth.5. Although, its Public debt remains near 95% of GDP, the The International Monetary Fund (IMF) further revealed that current account deficit is projected to remain large over the although the economy has grown, a great deal of that funding medium term, and international reserves are just above 3 is being poorly spent. Further, the confidence of businesses months of imports of goods and services. Belize’s growth and consumers has also been hurt due to government’s over the medium term is anticipated at just below 2%. Its modest attempts to tackle its financial problems. Meanwhile, significant tightening in the fiscal position in FY2017/18 and the efforts are being made, with the help of the IMF, to improve further adjustment in the budget for FY2018/19 are important the regulatory system for the banking industry. steps toward debt reduction. The country’s downside risks, Further, it was specified that Belize needs a comprehensive include the renewed pressures on correspondent banking tax reform, that tariff and non-tariff barriers are high while relationships (CBRs), the weaker-than-expected global growth, special licensing requirements deter foreign investment and and natural disasters, which could harm growth and weaken corruption has become worse in recent years.
4 https://www.centralbank.org.bz/docs/default-source/4.2.2-monthly- 5 Belize: Staff Report for the 2018 Article IV Consultation. International economic-reports/monthly-economic-highlights-april-2019.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Monetary Fund
Free Trade Agreements Belize is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and CARIFORUM.
CARICOM Bilateral Trade Belize is a founding member of the Caribbean Community bilateral trade agreements with its Latin American neighbors (CARICOM), a regional integration initiative between fifteen - The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Cuba, Colombia and English speaking Caribbean countries. As part of the Venezuela. In addition, Belize has in place a Partial Scope CARICOM Common Market and the CARICOM Single Market Agreement (PSA) with Guatemala and is currently pursuing and Economy (CSME), Belize’s tariff schedule is based on similar agreements with Mexico and El Salvador. Belize also CARICOM’s Common External Tariff (CET) and in many is a member of the Association of Caribbean States, a forum respects its external trade policies are aligned with those of created to promote economic integration and with plans to the region. Within the CSME, Belize is also recognized as a create a trading bloc among signatory countries. Less Developed Country and has certain rights and benefits of Belize also participates at a political level in the Central this designation. American Integration System (SICA); however, it has not yet As a CARICOM Member Belize benefits from preferential joined the Central American Economic Integration System trading arrangements such as the United States’ Caribbean (SIECA). It also is not part of the Central American Free Trade Basin Initiative (CBI), the Caribbean-Canada Preferential Agreement with the United States (CAFTA-DR). Trading Arrangement (CARIBCAN) and five CARICOM
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Barbados and Belize Trade Barbados Trade with Belize
Barbados’ exports to Belize were valued at BDS$2 million in 2018, a decrease from BDS $3.4 million in 2017. Exports averaged approximately Bds $3.1 million per year between 2013-2018, with the top products being:
Aluminum, Doors, Windows & Frames & Thresholds For Doors
Printed Paper Labels
Sweet Biscuits
Medicaments IMPORTS (CIF) DOMESTIC EXPORTS (FOB)
Other Printed Products Distribution Channels However, imports from Belize averaged BDS$3.8 International Retailers million annually between 2013 and 2018, with the Unlike many other countries Belize’s retail landscape does not main imports being: consist of any of the well-known international chains such as Walmart, Costco, Starbucks, McDonalds, Subway, Burger King. Frozen, Concentrated Orange Juice Further, the retail sector in the country is predominantly led by the Asian community.
Cane Sugar Supermarket The supermarket concept in Belize is taught to be more mature than in other countries in the region. Wet markets are not that common, Parboiled Rice and they are mostly used for fresh produce and fruits. However, there are three major supermarket chains in Belize; Brodies, Flour Publics Supermarket and Save-U. They function as supermarkets and as distributors for many brands. For example, Save-U’s parent
Toilet Paper company, Santiago Castillo, represents Unilever, Jergens, Campbell Soups and Kraft, while Brodies’ parent company, James Brodie & The major Barbadian companies exporting to Belize Co. Ltd., represents, Hunts, Lays Potato Ships, Berringer, Hyde Park, are Caribbean Label Crafts, Carlisle Laboratories, and Boones Farm. Together they account for about 10-12 containers Oran Ltd, Wibisco, COT Holdings and McBride. a week of imported food products.
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There are a number of one door supermarkets, corner stores/mom-and-pops stores in the country but most of them are very small and cater to the specific community where there are located or to passersby. Again, many of these are Asian owned businesses.
The main supermarket chains in Belize are:
Brodies Supermarket Publics Supermarket Save-U Supermarket
One of the largest supermarkets Owned by Caribbean Best Along with People’s Store in Belize. It is owned by the Products Ltd is one of the city’s Supermarket and Bottom $ are all James Brodie and Co. Ltd. most popular supermarkets, owned and operated by the Santiago which has a number of stores in legendary for its low prices. Castillo Group who is one of the different formats around Belize. largest distributors in the country
Distributors The main distributors in Belize are:
Vega’s Recinos Karl H. Menzies Distributors Imports Company Ltd
The family owned business is one Imports and distributes grocery, The lead providers of Beverages of the leading distributors in Belize. home use, personal care, animal and Surface Solutions (house & It imports and distributes dry goods care and hardware products. automotive paints, abrasives and to supermarkets and wholesalers lubricants) in Belize throughout Belize.
Santiago James Brodies Benny’s Castillo Ltd & Co. Ltd Home Centre
The group of companies imports The group is involved in import/ Importer and retailer of various and distributes food, office distribution of grocery, home and types of home accessories. machines, supplies and stationery personal care products, wine etc. and paint products etc.
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Market Entry Considerations
There are a wide variety of avenues for product entry as (3) the buyer/consumer. Due to the higher costs associated depicted, but a typical distribution channel in Belize for with imported products it maybe preferred that as little products involves (1) the local importer, who is also generally intermediaries be involved in product importation and the wholesaler and the distributor, (2) the retailer, and finally placement.
Producer Producer Producer Producer Producer
Agent /Broker
Wholesaler/ Wholesaler Distributor Distributor
Retailer Retailer Retailer Retailer
Consumer Consumer Consumer Consumer Consumer
Note: Belizean distributors prefer an exclusive distribution agreement which frees them from potential price and other competition. They are also willing to accept a 50/50 share in the marketing and advertising cost for the product.
Under Belizean laws Barbadian companies are allowed to establish businesses by All non-residents must obtain After forming a company, prior permission from the starting a private company, joint venture, trade licenses must be Central Bank of Belize for partnerships, sole proprietorships, public acquired from the local city or the right to own shares in a municipal town council. investment companies, and international Belizean company. business companies (IBCs).
In preparing to enter the Belizean Although not necessary, market, Barbadian exporters are The Belize Companies Act an attorney is usually hired outlines the legal requirements advised to engage a local importer/ to prepare and submit the necessary to incorporate a limited necessary Articles and wholesaler to act as an agent/ liability company in Belize. Memorandum of Association. distributor in Belize.
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The Barbadian exporter should make contact with the potential agent, gathering as much information as possible regarding their track record e.g. years in operation and other product lines distributed. Further, an in-country visit and direct meetings may be required to gather sufficient information on facilities, infrastructure, and adequacy of potential agents, distributors, retailers, or wholesalers. It is strongly advised that due diligence is carried out regarding the potential distributor and the market potential for the product or service.
Legal Considerations
Whether a Barbadian company plans to invest in a business, may be able to assist with obtaining background information sell, or buy property in Belize, it is prudent that they seek and/or conducting a property title search. It is also beneficial background information on their local partner, conduct to cross-check the legitimacy of local companies in the Belize title searches on real estate or property, and conduct due Companies Registry, to ensure they are legally registered to diligence before completing the business transaction. operate in Belize. Engage the services of a local accountant or attorney who
Standards and Technical Regulations
All parties in the The Belize Agricultural The Belize Bureau Health Authority (BAHA) of Standards supply chain have some responsibility for was established under Chapter 211 is the only organization that develops product safety including of the Laws of Belize to provide and implements standards in Belize. The the product designer, professional services in food safety, BBS engages in developing its unique manufacturer, importer quarantine services, and plant and standards, as well as developing and and the retailer. Products animal health inspections to facilitate implementing regional (e.g. CROSQ) and must meet applicable trade and commerce. BAHA is multilateral standards (Codex Alimentarius, safety standards, have the statutory body responsible for ISO). The Belize Bureau of Standards clear guidelines for proper use and include cautions certification mechanisms regarding is mandated to establish and monitor against potential misuse. plants, animals, quarantine, and standard requirements for labeling, inspection. packaging, metrology, and consumer
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protection. All locally manufactured goods and imported goods must adhere to some minimum standards for products to be legally traded and sold on the Belize market. All products must bear on the label in English:
Manufacturer’s Name Product Name Description Country Of Origin And Address
Storage Instructions Net Weight Or Volume Quantity List Of Contents
Date Of Production, Nutritional Information Identification Lot Expiration Date
The website bbs.gov.bz/ contains legislation and documents describing the nature of information and specifications required for products to be labeled, packaged, and sold legally in the marketplace.
Labeling Packaged food products labeled in English which are compliant with the requirements in the United Regulation States, Canada, the Caribbean Community, or the European Union are deemed to comply with Belize standards.
Importing Entry into Belize: Imported goods may be declared for home the goods are not entered within six weeks General use, temporary importation, re-importation, of arrival, they may be sold and the proceeds Timeframes re-exportation, suspense or warehouse applied first to the payment of duties, freight, and Costs procedures, exportation, temporary exportation, and charges, and the balance, if any, paid to the or under special procedures. To effect clearance proprietor of the goods or his duly authorized in all cases, the importer or agent must prepare agent. If such goods cannot be sold for a and sign the prescribed Customs Declaration sufficient sum to pay the duties and charges, the (Import/Export) Form C-100 (SAD). According to Comptroller may order them to be destroyed. the authorities, goods normally clear customs Under the post-importation inspection scheme, within three business days. duly authorized customs agents will review the customs declaration forms submitted by local
Goods must be entered within 10 days of importers to verify the declared prices on the arrival at port or they will be deposited into a invoices. This scheme is intended to recover the warehouse where storage fees will accrue. If tremendous loss of revenue as a result of under- invoicing.
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Other Import Requirements
Importers are allowed time, depending on the Freight forwarders, customs brokers, or other private parties amount of cargo unloaded from any vessel or craft, may require additional documents but the following documents to clear goods from the landing sheds. During this generally are required for all shipments, regardless of content or time, port storage fees are waived. Proper shipping method of shipping: documents must be presented to customs in order to take delivery of the goods. If the documents are
not available, entry of the goods may be permitted Commercial invoice with deposit of double duties or the deposit of single
duties plus a bond to guarantee any additional amount. Failure to produce the proper documents Certificate of origin within the specified period will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
Warehousing Packing list
other charges as the Comptroller of Customs may prescribe. Bill of Lading Goods entered for warehousing and not warehoused may be forfeited, and the importer will be liable for the applicable import duties and a fine of up to 500 Certain shipments may also require sanitary/phytosanitary certificates and import permits. Belize dollars. Goods warehoused and not cleared or re-exported at the end of six months or at the end of such further time as the Comptroller may allow, will be sold at public auction and the proceeds applied to outstanding duties, rent, and storage charges, as the Comptroller sees fit. The surplus, if any, will be paid Points to the owner or proprietor of such goods or to other of Entry
person duly authorized to receive them. Cargo imported from neighboring Central America and Mexico enters Belize through the two official inland border crossings Transit located at the country’s western border with Guatemala, or The Customs Department allows the temporary northern border with Mexico. Goods imported from North America, entry/transit of certain items into Belize, provided the Caribbean, and Europe enter the country through either the they are not modified or transformed while in the Port of Belize Ltd. (Belize City) located more geographically central country. If the goods are modified or sold locally, all to the country’s commercial and business district or the Port of applicable duties are payable. Big Creek (Stann Creek district) located 75 miles south along the
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coast and 145 miles away by highway. Together these two ports handle around 90% of import shipments and a similar portion of exports. Cargo CONTRABAND There are also many illegal points of entry ships typically depart Europe for Miami/Houston, then Belize, and on to for goods in Belize. Contraband is a very Central and South America. serious issue in Belize, as these goods then compete with legally imported goods which Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport near Belize City is the major attracted all relevant taxes and duties. airport. Airstrips for light aircraft are located near the major towns and Batuit; Cuppl. Am prarbeffres mus for quon dellemo cres Catum patruda cienatiam offshore islands for internal flights.
Customs Shipping The Customs and Excise Duties Act provides the legal Information framework by which the Belize Customs Department Based on Seaboard Marine schedule, containers from assesses, collects, and enforces the collection of Import Barbados, may be shipped to either the Port of Belize Duties, Revenue Replacement Duties, and Excise Duties. or the Port of Big Creek, Belize in approximately 14 days The Belize Customs Department generally uses original travelling via Miami, FL. commercial invoices and product catalogs to determine the Another option for shipping from Barbados to Belize is value of goods coming into the country. Duties are charged via Kingston, Jamaica arriving in approximately 10 to 18 on the CIF value of goods. For more specific information, days based on the Inter America Caribbean schedule. visit the Customs website www.customs.gov.bz.
Intellectual Tax Property Considerations
Rights Personal Income and Business Taxes are governed by the Income and Business Tax Act and are Belize has fulfilled its obligation under the World Trade collected by the Income Tax Department of the Organization (WTO) to implement the Agreement on Government of Belize. More information on these Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (the taxes can be found at TRIPS Agreement). The Belize Intellectual Property http://incometaxbelize.gov.bz/. Office (BELIPO Online) was established to administer these IPR laws, which include copyrights, industrial designs, patents, trademarks, protection of new Personal Income Tax Income tax is charged at a flat rate of 25% for both plant varieties, and protection of layout – designs individuals and companies, although the first $10,000 (topographies) of integrated circuits. For additional is exempt. Further, all pension (retirement) income is information please visit www.belipo.bz. completely exempt from taxation. Dividends from a Belize International Business Corporation (IBC) (an offshore corporation) are also exempt from taxation.
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Property Tax
Property tax is levied and controlled by City Councils and Town Boards in each district. Within the City of Belmopan the rate of property tax is set at 2% of the Business Tax assessed value; while the Belize City Council utilizes the Governed by the Business Tax Act, this tax is rate of 2.5% of the assessed value. administered at different rates depending on the classification of the business. This tax is payable by any person practicing his profession, or firm carrying Stamp Duty/Transfer Tax on business in Belize, and includes: Individuals, Stamp duty, also called transfer tax, is payable on Partnerships, Companies/Corporations Consultants, any transaction involving taxable land. Nationals and both Local (Resident) and Foreign (Non Resident) and Foreign Investors alike are required to pay 5% of the any other ‘person’ who is in the business of providing value. goods and services. Tariffs and collection of Customs Duties and Taxes are administered by the Belize Customs and Excise Land Tax Department which accounts for approximately 50% of This tax is collected by the Department of Lands, and the Government’s total annual recurrent revenue. is assessed at a rate of 1% of the unimproved value of the land. Environmental Tax (ET)
General Sales Tax (GST) Environmental Tax is charged on the C.I.F. (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of goods imported into Belize This consumer tax is applied at a rate of 12.5% on at a rate of 2%. Certain medicines and medicinal goods and services in Belize; some basic goods and supplies for human use along with basic foodstuffs are services however, are zero rated while others are exempt. Goods made available from funds provided exempt. The tax is imposed on the mark-up value of through grant agreements with external donor agencies, goods and services, and is payable monthly to the or funds borrowed from external financial institutions Department of GST. Additional information on the by the Government of Belize, or through a Government GST with details on rates and eligibility is available at guarantee are also exempt from paying this tax. The tax Department of GST6 is payable at the time of importation and is the liability of Hotel Tax the importer7.
Businesses operating in the hotel industry, are also required to levy an additional hotel tax of 9%. The Import Duties tax is charged daily, and paid monthly to the Belize Range between 0% and 45% with an average rate of Tourism Board (BTB). 20% applied to commodities. Zero-rated goods include
6 http://www.gst.gov.bz/ 7 http://www.mof.gov.bz
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various food items and medicines; while 45% is applied to certain automobiles and other goods, such as fresh peppers, pepper sauces, live animals, and boats. Import duties on industrial products are assigned, on average, a rate of 20%, but may be higher for products of national interest and protected for Belizean investment. Duties are calculated on the CIF Value of goods. A detailed list of items included can be found on the website of the Customs and Excise Department8.
8 http://www.customs.gov.bz
Revenue Replacement Taxes Duty (RRD) & Surcharge Is installed as a cost recovery mechanism for A customs administration fee at rates ranging from 1.5% to 2% is levied the Government. Rates are applied between on imports that pass through Belize for re-export. An import surcharge 5% and 50% with the majority averaging 20%. is assessed on fuel. Belize also levies a variable revenue replacement The RRD is based on the aggregate of the duty on non-essential goods such as cigarettes, water and nonalcoholic customs value and the import duties. However, beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, meat and meat products, peanut some commodities, like fuel and alcohol, are butter, and liquor. The rate ranges from 5% on fertilizers to 50% on bottled charged according to volume (i.e., per gallon/ water and ice cream. unit). A list of RRD items9.is available on the The duty is levied on the duty-paid value of the goods. For some website of the Department of Customs. commodities, including fuel and alcohol, the levy is on a specific basis.
9http://www.customs.gov.bz/revenue_replacement.html
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Market Research Mission Report Belize
Banking
The Central Bank of Belize is responsible for regulating all banks and financial institutions that are licensed under the Domestic Banks and Financial Institutions Act (DBFIA), the International Banking Act (IBA) and credit unions registered under the Credit Unions Act (CUA). Below are the major banks in Belize:
The Belize Bank Limited (BBL) is the largest full As Canada’s most international bank, Scotiabank has been service commercial banking operation in Belize operating in Belize since 1968. Today they operate 9 branches providing a range of banking and financial services to across the country and offer a complete range of retail and both domestic and international customers. commercial banking services — including online banking and electronic cash management. www.belizebank.com bz.scotiabank.com
Operates in all areas of finance both short and long National Bank of Belize Limited commonly known as the People’s term; destined for commerce, agriculture, export and Bank, in the nation’s capital, Belmopan. The bank is fully owned by import as well as in the areas of real estate, tourism the Government of Belize, and has built a solid foundation based services and others. on integrity, transparency, fairness and sound banking principles. Atlantic Bank provides local and international The NBB supports entrepreneurship and innovation through access to an array of financial products and services business plan competitions. Provision of small business loans.
via a country-wide network of branches and a www.nbbl.bz dynamic range of technology-driven channels. It also contributes to economic growth and social development in the communities it serves.
www.atlabank.com
Investment In its efforts to attract foreign investment into Belize, the government, provides special incentives & Incentive to investors. These programs grant combinations of duty and tax concessions through the Export Programmes Processing Zone Act CAP 280 (re-named the Designated Processing Zone), the Commercial Free Zones Act CAP. 278 and the Fiscal Incentive Act respectively.
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Market Research Mission Report Belize
Designated Processing The Designated Processing Areas Act (DPA) was passed in 2018 to replace Areas (DPA) the former Export Processing Zone Act. This is one of the tools used to attract local and foreign investments to boost production for export markets. Approved companies under this program receive
certain exemptions, from the Trade Approval to maintain Licensing Act requirements for operating DPA status for a period of up to a foreign currency in a municipality and the Supplies Control ten years and may qualify for account in a domestic or Act, in relation to the importation of raw various tax exemptions international bank located materials for production that are not for in Belize sale in Belize.
Sell, lease, or transfer goods May also be eligible for an annual May qualify for a preferential tax and services between DPA quota for fuel solely for specified rate on Income and Business Tax. companies. uses.
Fiscal Commercial Incentives Free Zone The Fiscal Incentives Act awards a qualified entity A Commercial Free Zone (CFZ) is a specifically a development concession during the start-up or designated area for the conduct of business expansion stages of a business in order to foster its operations. Belize currently has two (2) CFZs, one growth by offsetting custom duties. on the northern border with Mexico and a small zone on the western border with Guatemala. `Goods originating from these free zones can only be sold Business into Belize’s national customs territory after the Customs necessary duties and taxes have been assessed Belizean business persons prefer business casual and paid. Incentives of the CFZ include exemptions attire for the conduct of official business rather from several taxes and duties. Additionally, CFZ than suit and tie. Appointments are preferred and businesses incurring a net loss over the five-year tax punctuality is encouraged and appreciated in holiday may deduct losses from profits in the three business settings. years following the tax holiday period.
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Business Entry Hours Requirements
Belize’s Standard Time is six hours behind UTC/GMT. A passport is required for all visitors to Belize. It Daylight Saving Time is not used. Normal business hours should be valid for at least six months beyond the for the private sector are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon duration of the intended stay in the country. Visitors and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. planning to stay more than 30 days must have Banks operate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through their passport re-stamped by a local immigration Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Government office and pay an additional fee (BZ$25) for every offices follow the same schedule except on Fridays, when additional month they wish to stay, up to six months. they close at 4:30 p.m. All CARIOM nationals seeking entry would be granted a definite entry of six (6) month stay subject to having satisfied all immigration requirements. Travel Advice The Immigration & Nationality Department in Belmopan can be contacted at telephone numbers
Persons travelling to Belize for business should check for 501-8-22611 and 501-8-22423. travel advice beforehand. Two useful websites are: https://travel.state.gov or www.gov.uk
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Appendix
List of Products
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
Building & Construction Food & Print and Clothing Materials Beverages paper products & footwear
Paints Chocolates Envelopes Uniforms Trowel Plastics Condiments Paper labels Garments Furniture – Wooden Confectionary/ snacks Aluminum Margarines Printed forms Footwear Processed meats Soya bean oil Spa & Yoghurt wellness products Ceramics/pottery Rum Wines Juices: (non-traditional/indigenous – Soaps e.g. golden apple, soursop) or Lotions Glasswork alternatively, sources for imports Hair products
SERVICES
Advertising and ICT – Electronic services (security, Human Resource Building and Marketing Consultancy surveillance, etc.) Consultancy services construction services services
Article 164 Promotion of Industrial Development
Upon application made in that behalf by the less COTED may, in taking decisions pursuant to 1 developed countries, COTED may, if necessary, 2 paragraph 1 of this Article, establish terms as a temporary measure in order to promote the and conditions including a phasing-out development of an industry in any of these States, period during which Member States and the authorise such States to suspend Community Community shall provide support measures
origin treatment to any description of imports and the industry implement the necessary eligible therefor on grounds of production in one programmes for achieving competitiveness. or more less developed countries.
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Market Research Mission Report Belize
The grant of authorisation Effective April 01, 2019, the tariff rates in the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) of 3 pursuant to paragraph CARICOM on items listed below have been adjusted (depending on country of import) 1 of this Article shall be in accordance with a decision of the 74th Special Meeting of the CARICOM Council by means of a decision for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). This decision was made pursuant supported by the to the provisions of Article 164 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which seeks affirmative votes of all the to promote industrial development in the LDCs of CARICOM. Article 164 provides a less developed countries regime of support to eligible goods produced in LDCs on a temporary basis to help and at least two of the boost their competitiveness and their level of participation in intra-regional trade in the more developed countries. CSME. Pursuant to Article 164, the LDC CARICOM states are required to suspend community origin treatment and apply the approved rates on similarly classified goods imported 10 The More Developed Countries from the More Developed Countries (MDCs)10 of CARICOM or from outside the region (MDCs) of CARICOM are Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Guyana until December 2028, except for curry powder and pasta which expires on December and Suriname. 2023. 11 2 The eligible Countries which It should be noted however, that imports of the listed items from CARICOM LDCs make up the OECS include Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, which include countries of the OECS11, Haiti and Belize, benefit from community origin Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines treatment and would attract a tariff rate of zero percent.
000.00 TARIFF CLASSIFICATION
0910.99.30 1101.00.90 EX. 1902 2201.10.20 2201.90 Wheat Pasta Ordinary Natural Curry Powder Aerated or Meslin flour Waters Waters
2202.10.10 2202.10.90 (not including 1902.40 2202.91.40 2203.00.10 Couscous and 1902.11 Aerated Other pasta cooked with Malt Beer Beverages Waters eggs)
2203.00.20 2309.90.30 2309.90.40 2309.90.50 2203.00.10 Stout Prepared Prepared complete Prepared complete Other prepared Poultry feed cattle feed pig feed complete animal feed
2309.90.90 2804.40.00 2811.21.00 2901.29.20 EX. 3209 Other Oxygen Carbon Dioxide Acetylene Paint & varnishes (including enamels and lacquers)
3406.00 8419.19 9401.60.00 9401.61.00 9401.69.00 Candles of Solar water Chairs and other Upholstered Other paraffin wax seats, with wooden heaters frames
9403.30.00 9403.40.00 203.00.20 2309.90.30 Wooden furniture of Wooden furniture Wooden furniture Other furniture a kind used in offices of a kind used in the of a kind used in of wood and kitchen the bedroom upholstered fabric
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Festivals & Holidays in Belize
JANUARY MARCH
New National Heroes 1 Year’s Day 9 & Benefactors Day
APRIL
Good Holy Easter 10 Friday 11 Saturday 13 Monday
MAY SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Labour St. George’s Columbus 1 Day 10 Caye Day 12 Day
Commonwealth Independence 24 Day 21 Day
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Labour Christmas Boxing 19 Day 25 Day 26 Day
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