GOB Responds to US Lawmaker’s Call for Review of Belize’s Investment Climate

The Government of Belize has responded to a US congressional inquiry into the country’s investment climate, saying it remains confident in its judicial system and committed to good governance.

The government said it is aware of a letter sent by Brian J. Mast, Chairman of the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee, to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting an assessment of Belize’s investment climate and institutional safeguards.

“Belize is a stable democracy” with a “longstanding and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with the United States,” the statement said. The government added that it will “cooperate fully” with US authorities by providing any information necessary for their review.

The inquiry follows concerns raised about investor disputes in Belize, including the long-running controversy surrounding the Stake Bank Island cruise port development. US lawmakers have questioned whether such disputes signal broader governance or rule-of-law challenges.

The government pointed to recent foreign direct investment gains, stating that approximately $505 million in net investment flows were recorded over the past two years. According to the statement, reforms to modernize legal frameworks, digitize regulatory systems, and expand investor incentives have strengthened the business environment.

“The Government of Belize is firmly committed to advancing good governance and upholding the rule of law.  In the Central American region, Belize is currently ranked as having the second lowest perceived corruption on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and is ranked third on the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index.”

On the issue of the Stake Bank extension, the government stated that the compulsory acquisition was upheld as constitutional by the High Court of Belize. The matter is currently before the Court of Appeal. Citing the ongoing legal process, officials declined to comment further.