Transportation on a scheduled basis to key market areas by sea, and air with a 3-day direct by road to the North Western USA.

• Major International Airport: Philip Goldson International Airport.
• Distance to USA: Approximately 800 miles to the nearest port of entry, with two hours flying time to or from Miami, New Orleans, Houston.
• Daily Flights: Miami, New Orleans, Houston and Los Angeles.
• Reliable shipping and air cargo services to and from Europe, United States of America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Highways: All weather roads linking major district towns.

Ports: Belize City, Commerce Bight and Big Creek.

Rapid access to a wide range of raw materials from U.S.A., Mexico and the Far East.

• Minimal restrictions or red tape.
• Easy access to Government Ministries, Government Departments and Private Agencies.

A strategically located industrial park:

• Pre-built shells of 6,000 or 20,000 sq. ft. available within 6-9 months of signing a letter of intent.
• Industrial building rental ranges from BZ$4.00 to BZ$7.00 per sq. ft. of floor space.
• Flexible lease/sale on customized construction arrangements.
• Adjacent to the Philip Goldson International Airport.

Conveniently located Export Processing Zones:

• Easy access to the North American Markets by road and by air via the Philip Goldson International Airport.
• Links to international trade, communications, other utilities and services at low costs.
• A favorable business environment, few regulatory restrictions and minimum of red tape.

Preferential market access to Europe, Canada, USA and the Caribbean:

• Europe under LOME IV
• CANADA under CARIBCAN
• USA under CBI II
• Caribbean under CARICOM

The Government of Belize welcomes genuine foreign investment when it meets the following criteria:

• creates employment opportunities
• makes maximum use of indigenous raw materials
• earns foreign exchange or
• results in increased production
• introduces state-of-the-art technology
• enhances local management skills
• promotes greater efficiency through competition
• diversifies the economic base
• facilitates access to foreign markets
• is environmentally friendly

Longer term incentives are offered for the location of industries in the less-developed rural areas of the country and for export-oriented projects or projects utilizing technology not previously introduced into Belize.

Foreign Exchange Regulations:

Under the Exchange Control Regulations, Chapter 43 of the Laws of Belize (1980) only the Central Bank, authorized dealers and authorized depositories may deal in foreign currency, a foreign exchange permit must be obtained from an authorized dealer or the Central Bank. The permission of the Central Bank is also required in order to secure a loan from outside Belize which involves a foreign currency, and also to service repayment of foreign debt. The necessary approvals, however, can be easily secured in the case of genuine, approved enterprises. Foreign investors are required to register any investments made in Belize with the Central Bank to facilitate the repatriation of profits, dividends, etc. No person, other than authorized dealers and authorized depositories, may retain any foreign currency in their possession without the consent of the Central Bank. Foreign exchange accounts can be opened at local banks with the consent of the Central Bank.