BELTRAIDE’s Role in Promoting Belizean Creativity and Export
Empowering Belizean Businesses for Global Markets
BELTRAIDE, through its Export Belize unit, continues to play a pivotal role in helping Belizean businesses expand beyond local borders. During an appearance on Open Your Eyes, Export Business Advisor Asia Gilharry explained that Export Belize supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their export journey, from emerging businesses preparing for international markets to experienced exporters seeking new opportunities. The organization provides advisory services, training, market intelligence, trade promotion, and support for emerging industries within Belize’s growing creative economy.
Gilharry highlighted that one of BELTRAIDE’s key goals is to ensure businesses are export-ready by helping them understand international standards, market requirements, and trade opportunities. Through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and participation in international trade shows, Belizean entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and exposure needed to compete globally. “One of the biggest things when it comes to export is networking. You need to find the distributors, but you’re also selling the story and the feeling behind your product,” she said.
Opening Doors for the Orange Economy
Among those benefiting from BELTRAIDE’s support is entrepreneur and artist Zyania Alonzo, owner of Zyania Alonzo Designs. Alonzo creates custom crochet handbags, murals, and other handcrafted products. She shared that participating in trade shows and business development programs has helped her see the potential of her brand on an international scale. Through opportunities such as the Giftionery Taiwan trade show, she gained valuable insights into consumer preferences and global market trends.
Reflecting on her experience abroad, Alonzo noted that international exposure helps Belizean entrepreneurs think beyond the limitations of a small domestic market. “It helps to open your mind to how you can make your brand on a global scale rather than just locally,” she said. She also emphasized that BELTRAIDE’s support goes beyond creativity, helping artists build sustainable and profitable businesses while maintaining their unique cultural identity.
Building Belize’s Export Future
Representing Copalli Rum, Marketing Manager Giovanni Alamilla discussed how BELTRAIDE has assisted the company in expanding its international presence. Although Copalli is still a relatively young company, it has successfully entered markets in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy, while exploring opportunities throughout Central America and the Caribbean. Alamilla praised BELTRAIDE’s team for their professionalism and commitment to promoting Belizean products abroad.
The discussion also highlighted some of the challenges exporters face, including identifying suitable markets, financing participation in trade shows, and meeting large international orders. Despite these obstacles, BELTRAIDE continues to provide free advisory services, training opportunities, and access to global trade events. As Belize’s creative and manufacturing sectors continue to grow, the organization remains committed to helping local businesses showcase their products, tell their stories, and successfully compete on the world stage.
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