According to BELTRAIDE’s Executive Chairperson, Lourdes Smith, to make this happen, the Service will focus on three strategic areas: Investment Promotion, Entrepreneurial Development, and Marketing.

As part of its strategy on investment promotion, BELTRAIDE is compiling a National Export Strategy which contains details on five priority investment sectors which possess a greater level of competitive advantage for Belize.

A Belize Marketing Study has been carried out, which identifies the potential of markets for niche-non-traditional products. This study will be an essential tool for Belizean producers to take advantage of trade opportunities in Central America, the United States, CARICOM and European Union.

To create a more conducive environment that stimulates growth in entrepreneurial development for small and medium-sized businesses, BELTRAIDE, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, is working on a National SME Policy to address the issues and challenges affecting the development of micro, small and medium sized enterprises.

Lourdes Smith added that BELTRAIDE has had an active and successful year. It interacted with 2,500 clients who were interested in trade and investment information on Belize, assisted in the development of twelve business plans, and conducted a series of business match-making undertakings with 41 furniture makers to improve their capacities.

Two additional BELTRAIDE goals for 2008 include the development of a National Investment Policy and the establishment of an Entrepreneurial Development and Trade Center in Belmopan.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, National Development and the Public Service, Said Musa, was the guest speaker at the launch of BELTRAIDE’s Action Plan.

PM Musa suggested that BELTRAIDE’s success over the last ten years is a manifestation of his Government’s commitment to an effective public/private sector partnership in building a stronger economy, generating jobs and spreading the benefits of growth and development.

Approved investment projects which are scheduled to commence soon will inject a further 1.9 billion dollars in Belize’s economy, also creating over 15,000 new jobs in the Tourism, Agro and Energy industries, and Information and Communication Technology sector.

PM Musa added that his Government will continue to support BELTRAIDE and provide them with resources needed to unlock the great potential and opportunities for the majority of Belizeans.

According to BELTRAIDE, it has, with the support of the government, over the last ten years, attracted over 1.1 billion dollars worth of investments.