Belize has completed its Fourth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva, with member states recognising the country’s economic recovery efforts and commitment to trade reform, digital transformation and sustainable development.

The review examined Belize’s trade policies and economic performance, with WTO members highlighting the country’s resilience in recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Lisa.

According to the Government of Belize, the review also focused on efforts to modernise the country’s trade regime, including work toward implementing a Trade and Investment Electronic Single Window and reforms to the trade licensing system aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Belize said its reforms are guided by the National Trade Policy, which includes gender as a cross-cutting issue and links trade facilitation measures with investments in energy and economic resilience.

WTO members also commended Belize’s transition toward a digital and blue economy. Among the initiatives highlighted were the country’s Blue Bond programme, partnerships that trained more than 1,000 women in digital skills, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, which is expected to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure and education sector.

Discussions during the review also centred on improving transparency and compliance with WTO reporting requirements, reducing trade costs and strengthening institutional capacity.

Belize acknowledged delays in some technical reporting obligations and said it remains committed to improving transparency and meeting its international commitments.

The government said it plans to implement a time-bound post-review work plan focused on advancing its digital agenda, lowering trade costs and strengthening transparency measures.

Belize also said it intends to use its renewed permanent presence in Geneva to deepen engagement within the multilateral trading system.

The Belize delegation was led by Harold Young, Belize’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, alongside officials from the Directorate General for Foreign Trade.

During the review, Young stressed the need for continued international support for small and vulnerable economies, while WTO members described the review process as constructive and reflective of Belize’s economic progress.