Chetumal, Q.R. — The Secretariat of Economic Development (Sede) of Quintana Roo paid a visit to Belize authorities Wednesday. Both side sat down to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation to promote foreign trade and improve the Integration of Free Trade Zones.
Paul Carrillo de Cáceres who heads Sede, led the strategic visit to Belize City. He held meetings with Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of Foreign Trade of Belize, Her Excellency Matha Zamarripa Rivas, Ambassador of Mexico to Belize and Mr. Lincoln Blake Jr., Director of Investments of the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Quintana Roo and Belize have historically maintained a commercial relationship characterized by their geographic proximity and a complementary economy, which has generated opportunities for collaboration in various sectors,” said Carrillo de Cáceres.
The purpose of this meeting was to strengthen these ties, facilitate access to new markets and create mechanisms for the joint development of foreign trade and attract international investments, key actions based on the New Agreement for the Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa.
“Furthermore, it seeks to guide and design solutions to the problems we face and develop a joint action plan to build a better future, in short, to overcome the backwardness that limits us socially and economically.”
One of the key points of the visit is the identification of sectors and products with export potential, which will allow Quintana Roo to take advantage of its competitive advantages to strengthen its presence in the Belizean market.
In this sense, actions will be promoted to facilitate the linking of companies from both regions, creating a more dynamic and efficient environment for bilateral trade.
The visit also places special emphasis on the integration of the Corozal and Chetumal Free Trade Zones. Both regions have a high potential for the development of cross-border trade, so joint strategies will be explored to improve logistics, infrastructure and commercial connectivity, which will allow for the streamlining of the flow of products and services between the two countries.
Issues to promote the growth of trade relations, measures to reduce trade barriers and simplify customs procedures were also discussed. Carrillo de Cáceres said concrete actions will be defined to attract more foreign investment, consolidating the bases for more solid cooperation and promoting greater productive integration in strategic sectors that benefit both Quintana Roo and Belize.
