BREAKING NEWS:BRBelize Participates in CARICOM’s Fifty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Council for……
Belize Participates in CARICOM’s Fifty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)
Belize recently took part in the Fifty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), hosted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meeting, held in Georgetown, Guyana, brought together representatives from CARICOM member states to deliberate on critical trade and economic issues affecting the region. The discussions centered on advancing regional economic integration, enhancing trade competitiveness, and addressing challenges impacting member states’ economic growth.
Belize, a committed CARICOM member, highlighted its priorities during the meeting, emphasizing the importance of bolstering regional trade mechanisms, fostering agricultural resilience, and promoting the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Belizean delegation underscored the need for innovative solutions to strengthen the Single Market and Economy (CSME), ensuring equitable access for all member states. Additionally, Belize advocated for the removal of trade barriers to create a more seamless flow of goods and services across the region.
A major highlight of the meeting was the focus on climate-resilient economic strategies, a pressing concern for CARICOM states, including Belize, given their vulnerability to climate change. Belize contributed to discussions on the development of sustainable trade policies that align with regional environmental goals, reinforcing its commitment to green growth initiatives.
The council also addressed the need to enhance the region’s competitiveness in global markets, with Belize emphasizing its position on diversification and value-added production in industries such as agriculture and fisheries. Belize’s delegation also called for collaborative efforts to resolve ongoing trade disputes, ensuring a fair and unified approach to trade negotiations with external partners.
Furthermore, Belize reiterated the importance of technology and innovation in driving economic growth, proposing enhanced support for digital transformation initiatives within the CARICOM framework. Recognizing the significance of partnerships, Belize urged deeper cooperation among member states to leverage collective strengths.
The Fifty-Ninth COTED meeting reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to fostering economic integration and strengthening trade relations. Belize’s active participation demonstrated its dedication to regional collaboration and its strategic vision for inclusive and sustainable economic development within the CARICOM community. As CARICOM continues to navigate complex trade and economic landscapes, Belize’s contributions underscore its pivotal role in shaping a resilient and prosperous future for the region.
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