Belmopan - August 1, 2007 -- “Belize the Natural Niche” : The word “niche” comes from the French word meaning - to make a nest, a recess or opening in a wall, a place of safety or retreat, a position from which an opening in a market can be exploited, especially a specialized but profitable segment of a commercial market.

BELTRAIDE, in consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors, has worked diligently at defining viable investment and trade promotion strategies for Belize. We believe that we have succeeded and feel confident in positioning Belize as the Natural Niche.

Recent initiatives under the development of a National Export Strategy (supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the International Trade Center in Geneva) have confirmed those priority sectors where it is believed Belize has opportunities for building competitive advantages, and which present our most viable prospects for sustainable growth, export development and trade, and hence for attracting investments. The prioritized sectors include:

• Tourism
• Agribusiness
• Aquaculture
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Environmental Goods and Services.

Naturally, opportunities exist in all sub-sectors of our strategic priorities. These niche sectors form the foundation of our economic goals, as we increase employment opportunities by creating meaningful and socially uplifting work, increase trade and promotional activities for Belizean products and services, facilitate local investments, and attract international investments.
…And now a glimpse of the vast investment opportunities in Belize…

1. Agribusiness
In the area of agribusiness we are projecting more investments in value added products. Belize’s abundant resources allow businesses to process raw materials for niche export markets. We see an increase in domestic production of feedstock such as soybeans, where crops are linked to the livestock sub-sector by providing supplies for animal, marine and poultry feed.
Both the citrus and sugar industries need increased investments in sugar cane fields and citrus orchards as they both need to increase their factory throughput in order to maximize the factories’ capacities. With the increased production, they would be better positioned to accommodate additional investments to diversify into other value added products.
In addition,the processing and conversion of sugar cane for the production of ethanol as an alternative and renewable source of energy has renewed investment attraction.

Opportunities also exist not only for the production of bio-diesel, but for the supply of product to process into bio-diesel.

Because of the increased production and the diversity of business opportunities in the agri-business sector, investments in the production of packaging materials of increasing significance.

We would like to see the establishment of cooperative-type activities, whereby processing plants will act as collection agents for local fruits and vegetables, to be cleaned, processed, packaged and distributed to domestic and export markets. Belize’s abundant resources are naturally positioned to target agribusiness for its demand in niche markets locally and abroad.

2. Tourism
In the area of tourism with the expansion of the international airport, there is heightened interest in the construction of high- end resorts and hotels. We also need increased support services to facilitate the attraction and establishment of new “branded” resorts and hotels. Tourists, once content to spend their leisure sunning at the beach, now seek diverse experience-based destinations. There is also the need to develop new, unique, and innovative tourist products to sustain growth in our overnight and cruise tourist sectors. Support services are also important to facilitate cruise tourists in the line
of transportation, safety, and entertainment. We would like to see increased quality assurance in our tourism industry as the competitiveness of the regional and international arena has prompted new standards in the provision of hospitality services. With its beautiful landscape,rich diversity of culture and ecology, Belize is naturally poised to target niche tourism for its appeal and demand in international markets.

3. Aquaculture
In the area of aquaculture, opportunities for investment exist in the cage-farming of fish, and lobster. This technique has proven track record and as such Belize’s pristine waters can function as natural capital when investing in this sector. Opportunities exist in shrimp, Australian Red Claw Lobster, and fin fish such as Tilapia, Red Drum, and Cobia. Opportunities also exist in value adding to byproducts such as shrimp waste and other species in order to manufacture animal feed, cosmetics, health & beauty products. Belize’s ecological environment is naturally poised to target aquaculture for its demand in niche local and export markets.

4. Information Communication Technology (ICT)
In the area of ICT, opportunities for investment exist in domestic and offshore service providers. Due to the geographic shrinking effects of telecommunications and its supporting systems, companies worldwide are reducing operational costs by outsourcing many of their in-house data and information processing services to off-shore areas. The world has literally become a global village, and with business being conducted 24 hours-a-day, these technical support services are critical in the international arena. We would like to see increased investments in offshore call centers, back-office operations, offshore data processing, and software applications development.
This sector demands a variety of specializations and professionals such as: programmers, financiers, designers, accountants, and skilled personnel. It is important that we cultivate the development of this sector in Belize as these positions enable the creation of meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities for our young Belizeans. They will learn not only about information technologies, but also receive training in communication skills and customer satisfaction. Belize’s highly motivated, English speaking and trainable workforce is well positioned to target ICT by catering to its demand in niche foreign markets.

5. Environmental Goods and Services
In the area of environmental goods and services, we have investment opportunities in timber and non-timber value added products. Investments are needed in research facilities for the creation of pharmaceutical products, herbal supplements, and other non-timber forest products. Likewise, there have been increased demands for manufactured wood products, such as furniture, to meet the needs of rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure. Many establishments require high quality wood products as their target markets are niche tourists. Belize’s pristine jungles are naturally poised to target environmental goods and services for its demand and appeal in niche local and export markets.

Conclusion
As an emerging economy, strategically bridging the region of Central America and the Caribbean, Belize offers plenty of untapped potential for upscale investments and value-added activities.

The INVESTOR’S MANUAL that we are launching provides wide-ranging information, facts, figures and procedural advice to guide the local and international investor as you go about establishing and doing business in Belize.

Our economy is open for business. There is respect for the rule of law. With an impressive programme of physical and economic infrastructure carried out in recent years, supported by heavy investment in human resources in education and skills training, Belize is ready.In a climate of political and macro-economic stability, a modern communication and telecommunication system well advanced, we can now envision a Belize of tomorrow, a fully developed country, small in size, but big in heart; a society that is prosperous, socially just that is holding its own in the world, with balanced, sustainable growth. For Belize is a good country, blessed by nature with wealth untold. And what is more, we believe in Belize. We invite you to join in the experience.

Source: belive.gov.bz