Belize Named Pilot Country for CARICOM Industry Project

Belize will serve as the pilot country for a new CARICOM initiative aimed at strengthening industries protected under Article 164 of the CARICOM treaty, focusing on the furniture, animal feed, and turmeric sectors.

The project, launched by the Directorate General for Foreign Trade in coordination with the CARICOM Development Fund, is a 36-month initiative running from September 2026 to August 2029.

Article 164 provides temporary protection for selected industries in CARICOM’s Less Developed Countries to support domestic production. The new initiative complements that protection by helping industries improve competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

Belize’s three priority sectors were selected through regional and national consultations and direct engagement with Article 164 firms. The project will provide support in industry research, policy development, capacity building, export readiness, climate resilience, and value chain development.

The initiative was formally launched through a Stakeholder and Ministry Kick-Off Session, with remarks from CARICOM Development Fund Acting Regional Director Kyron Barker and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade CEO Oscar Arnold. Lessons from Belize’s implementation are expected to inform the broader CARICOM regional effort.