With a proficient English-speaking workforce, a stable political environment and untapped potential, Belize is increasingly on the radar of investors across the globe. The Central American nation has an economy that has shown robust growth across numerous sectors, while pro-business reforms helped to reduce the public debt by over 30 percent in 2023.

Belize’s banking sector has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years and is fast becoming a haven for financial security. Thanks to its currency options, favorable tax environment and strict banking secrecy laws, the country has become an attractive destination for global investors seeking a safe and stable environment for their assets.

The banking sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Belize which adheres to the most stringent international banking standards, while the government has implemented reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes and reduce red tape. This has made it simpler for investors to operate busi- nesses and open bank accounts in the country.

In recent years, Belize has taken several steps to support its blue economy and has gained international recognition for its efforts in marine conserva- tion. The government aims to protect 30 percent of its ocean areas by 2030 and make the blue economy sustainable, productive, resilient and vibrant.

To help achieve this, Belize became just the second Caribbean coun- try to establish a Ministry of the Blue Economy. Led by Andre Perez, the ministry’s focus is on increasing the earning potential of artisanal fishers and keeping fishery exports high while at the same time promoting the sustainable use of the country’s commercial marine resources.

Tourism has long been fundamental to the economy of Belize and continues to contribute approximately 40 percent to the country’s GDP. Attracting visitors remains vitally important for the future of the country but the government has also realized the need to find the right balance between modernization and preservation.

That is why the country’s sustainable tourism master plan was recently updated. “I spearheaded the update to this plan as in a rapidly evolving landscape, we realized the need to prioritize adaptability, aiming to modernize and preserve our blessings continually,” explains Anthony Mahler, Minister Tourism and Diaspora Relations.

The telecom industry in Belize has undergone a significant transformation in recent years thanks in large to the efforts of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). Operating under the brand name Digi, the company has led a dig- ital revolution that has increased connectivity and enhanced the speed and reliability of broadband services.

The preeminent force in the telecom sector BTL has launched a myriad of innovative applications and has incorporated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into a number of its processes. “Our integration of AI stands out as a transformative force within our operations. These technologies will enable predictive maintenance, improving network reliability by anticipating and addressing potential issues before they impact service. Moreover, AI-driven analytics have empowered us to gain deep- er insights into customer behavior, allowing for more personalized and efficient service offerings,” reveals Markhelm Lizarraga, Chairman of BTL.

Established in 1999, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has ensured best practices for vital utilities across Belize for a quarter of a century and is now set to play an instrumental role as the country attempts to move away from a reliance on fossil fuels and embraces more sustainable and renewable forms of energy.

This comes after the government of Belize secured financing from the World Bank for 40 MW of batteries and from Saudi Arabia for an additional 60 MW of solar.