Korea Invests US$3.4 Million to Strengthen Belize’s Data System

The Republic of Korea has invested US$3.4 million in Belize to strengthen the country’s statistical system, improve data collection, and build Government’s capacity to use data for national decision-making.

The grant financing is being provided through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) under the Enabling Belize’s Statistical System Project.

The investment has supported the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) with new technology and equipment, stronger technical skills and improvements to its systems and processes.

Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, said the project is building Belize’s pool of qualified statisticians while improving SIB’s ability to collect and analyse data.

“The project is also improving the capabilities of the officers, improving the methodologies, improving the processes, so that we can have accurate and timely data,” Pol said

Pol said the project is also introducing advanced technology to help SIB streamline its work and make greater use of AI and other technologies for data collection and analysis.

Pol said the improved system will give Government more accurate and timely information to support its decisions. “More data means that Cabinet can make more informed decisions, can make more informed policies and projects,” he said.

SIB is also helping GOB establish a monitoring and evaluation framework for its Medium-Term Development Strategy, allowing key performance indicators to be tracked across government entities.

Pol said Belize is already seeking a larger investment from Korea as the current project approaches its conclusion. The proposed follow-up support would benefit SIB and other government entities.