By Belize Live News Staff: Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, met with Mexico’s new Agriculture Minister, Julio Berdegué Sacristán, on Monday to press for expanded trade opportunities, including the export of green coconuts and cattle, officials said.
The talks focused on reducing trade barriers as Belize seeks to address its significant trade imbalance with Mexico, which exports over $300 million in goods to Belize annually, compared to Belize’s $8-$10 million in exports.
Mexico agreed to expedite a risk assessment process to facilitate Belize’s export of green coconuts with husks. Mai said Belize could produce up to 5 million green coconuts annually in the coming years, with most destined for Mexico’s Quintana Roo state.
Berdegué expressed strong interest in cattle imports, stating that Mexico would “gladly” receive all legally exported Belizean cattle that comply with technical and sanitary protocols. He also pledged to work on reducing trade costs and barriers to formalize cattle exports further.
The two ministers also discussed controlling the New World Screwworm. Mai highlighted Belize’s success in preventing outbreaks through stringent cattle traceability, quarantine protocols, and public awareness campaigns. Mexico commended Belize’s efforts and agreed to maintain collaboration to prevent the spread of the pest.
Mai was accompanied by Chief Advisor Hugh O’Brien, Trade Ambassador Jaime Briceño, and a representative from Belize’s coconut sector. The Belize delegation is expected to return on Dec. 10.
