Mexico City, Tues. Sept. 28, 2021– The Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño, alongside a delegation consisting of Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment; and Ms. Narda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, departed the country on a state visit to Mexico on Tuesday, September 27.

While in Mexico, the Prime Minister and his delegation, along with the Ambassador of Belize to Mexico, H.E. Oscar Arnold, met with officials from the Bank of Mexico to discuss payment systems and banking relations between the two countries. This initiative is expected to bolster trade and investment between the two neighboring states. The Mexican delegation was represented by Mr. Miguel Diaz, Director General at Banco de Mexico.

Also included in the Prime Minister‘s itinerary were discussions with Mexican officials on a partial scope trade agreement with Mexico. During the Prime Minister’s visit, which is scheduled to extend until October 2, 2021, Hon. Briceño and his delegation will also engage in discussions centered on education, infrastructure, agriculture, arts, and culture.

Over the course of the year, the Prime Minister has made a number of trips to Mexico to discuss the partial scope trade agreement as well as attend official SICA and CELAC meetings. Mexico has held multiple joint initiatives with Belize, including a mental health forum, cattle trading activities, and a presentation on advanced livestock rearing techniques. Belize also recently received a donation of vaccines from Mexico.

In the Prime Minister‘s absence, Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, is serving as acting Prime Minister, since the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Cordel Hyde, is currently out of the country on official government business.