BELIZE CITY, Mon. Dec. 7, 2020– Since March 2020, no commercial activity has been taking place at the Corozal Free Zone (CFZ), which was placed under lockdown due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Finally, after approximately nine months of dormancy at the CFZ, the Government has taken its first steps toward reopening the zone — possibly in time for Christmas.
On Wednesday, December 2, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, Hon. Jose Mai, and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, attended a meeting with administrators of the Corozal Free Zone.
The topic of discussion was no surprise. The stakeholders shared an interest in opening the CFZ as soon as possible, as it contributed a sizeable percentage of the earnings generated within Belize’s currently ailing economy.
Thus far, a date has not been set for the reopening of the CFZ. However, Hon. Mai, on behalf of the GOB, has assured all parties that when the free zone is indeed opened, safeguarding the interests of the investors and public safety will be key areas of focus.
According to Mai, the Corozal Free Zone administration presented their proposal at the meeting, which seemed to be “widely accepted”. This plan entails the spraying of persons and vehicles passing through the zone, the use of sanitization tunnels, temperature readings and personal checks from inside the free zone, and these sanitizations will be made possible by the OIRSA.
At present, the CFZ hosts approximately 135 to 150 small businesses which have agreed to jointly shoulder the necessary cost of the reopening, which is expected to total $200,000 or less, says Mai.
Minister Mai, as well as vice chairman for the CFZ, Anil Hotchandani, both mentioned that the zone would be adhering to stringent safety measures and that visitors not in compliance will not be allowed to enter.
The wearing of safety masks and allowing random temperature tests are only some of the protocols that will be put in place. Businesses will also only be allowed to have one-third (1/3) of their staff present at any time on the grounds.
It has also been announced that Chetumal is also on the verge of being transformed into a Commercial Free Zone and will be reducing taxes on products by almost a half.
When asked if this could lead to a potential threat for the CFZ, Hotchandani described the situation as a “win-win”. He claims that while Belizeans and other residents living in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo will be frequenting the Chetumal Zone to seek better deals on items, he expects that it will also draw attention to, and bring in revenue for, the CFZ.
As stated, there is no established opening date for the Corozal Free Zone; however, it is expected that the reopening of the CFZ will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.