25 years of Independence in the Paradise

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Belize is a paradise in the Caribbean Sea. The only English speaking country in Central America which is currently celebrating its 25 years of independence. A small country with big investment opportunities, due to an increase in the Belizian economy together with a renewed interest for relaunching its national and international commercial policies. That´s the reason why World Investment News in association with the New York Sun newspaper is preparing a special report about the great potential of this paradise in the middle of The Caribbean.

Imagine a country that has never been turnished by a civil war, has the largest living barrier reef in the World, the longest above ground cave system and has enjoyed all the benefits of democracy for the past 25 years.

Relations with the US, Belize´s principal commercial partner, are a necessity for the development of the country and have had an increase which has been reflected in its conomy.

Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and is trying to launch it´s presence in Central America and the Caribbean. The main economic indicator is the tourism industry which contributes to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) with an income of 60 %, however tourism is not the only motor of the economy.

Belize is trying to spread its foreign commerce beyond the United Kingdom and the United States, although currently 75 % of its exports go to these two nations. But the Belizian Government is ambitious and is attempting to enter into the European Union market with its citrus products and shrimp.



Economy

Belize is an active member of CARICOM (the Caribbean Free Trade Agreement) and the WTO as well as a member of the Commonwealth and as such has been able to enjoy much international commerce and economic growth. The control policy in the exchange has indicated that the growth in its economy is more than the 11 %, due to the main export of products such as: Sugar, Bananas, and citrus products, and shellfish farms, which have good economic performances. Take into consideration that Belize is the only country within Central America that enjoys privileges shared with other Caribbean countries.

The secondary sector includes construction and real estate, which represent 15.6 % of the GDP. During 2005 the arrival of tourists to Belize by plane increased in 10 % and by cruiseship a 12 % , while the restaurants and hotels represent over 15 % of the income.



International

This year, due to the fact that Belize is celebrating its 25 years of independence anniversary,the country is looking to renew its image, to get international recognition as a lovely and peaceful country, with a stable and growing economy. The US buys 54 % of Belize´s exports, and sells 48 % of its imports. The EU, its second commercial partner, represents 15 % of Belize´s commerce. The first representative of the EU in Belize was obiously the United Kingdom, and as its colony, Belize represented 9 % of the total commerce of the UK.

Belize is a diamond in the rough, creating tremendous opportunities in a stable economy and has a great potencial for investments.

Most Important Sectors: Tourism, Citrus, Sugar, Banana, Shrimp, , Real Estate

Sector with an important growth: Infraestructure, Telecommunications, Energy, Off Shore facilities, finance and insurance services.



Diving in Belize

Scuba diving in Belize should be a “most do” in your life. Belize boast the largest living natural barrier reef in the World, and within very close proximity to the coast. The coral reef is in deed a treasure of the Earth, that all belizians are proud of preserve.

Here, you can dive with whale sharks or giant manta rays and if you have the time explore the blue hole, a collapsed sink hole in the barrier, which features unique subaquatic stalactites and other rare formations. There you´ ll find over seventy types of hard corals and four hundred species of fish, a magnificent collage of underwater community life. A reef paradise that awaits to be explored.