By Belize Live News Staff: Belize’s Minister of State for Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, Christopher Coye, participated in a meeting of Central American Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Guatemala City on July 8th. The focus of the meeting was the “America en el Centro” initiative, a comprehensive development program designed to address the unique challenges facing Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.
The “America en el Centro” program recognizes that the region grapples with significant obstacles to progress, including low productivity, social inequality, fiscal constraints, and heightened vulnerability to climate change. The initiative seeks to complement national development strategies by tackling cross-border issues that hinder inclusive and sustainable growth while promoting stronger economic integration.
Minister Coye seized the opportunity to advocate for Belize’s specific interests during the meeting. He underscored the strategic importance of developing road infrastructure between Central America and southeastern Mexico (Yucatan and Quintana Roo) via Jalacte, Belize. This proposed logistics corridor would provide a more efficient and cost-effective route to these markets, opening up significant trade and investment prospects for Belize and the entire Central American region.
Additionally, Minister Coye expressed Belize’s keen interest in joining the regional electricity transmission grid system (SIEPAC). This integration would enhance energy security and foster greater regional cooperation.
Taking advantage of his presence in Guatemala City, Minister Coye engaged in discussions with Francisco Lima Mena, Secretary General of the Central American Economic Integration Secretariat (SIECA). Their talks centered on Belize’s ambition to become an observer member of SIECA, a move that would allow Belize to stay informed and contribute to regional economic integration efforts, including the “Regional Master Plan 2035 on Mobility and Logistics.”
Belize’s participation in this IDB meeting signifies the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and its determination to pursue development strategies that benefit both Belize and its neighbors.
