Belize, Mexico sign trade cooperation agreement

Map of Central America highlighting Belize and Mexico.

BELMOPAN, Belize, June 11, 2009 – A Memorandum of Understanding signed between Belize and Mexico is expected to improve the free flow of goods between the two countries.

A statement from the Belize government said the recently signed trade cooperation agreement was historic.

“It will boost the export of beef and the exchange of other value-added products between both countries.  The commitment will also serve to enhance the bilateral relationship by increased cooperation in various other areas of mutual interest,” the release said.

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) alongside the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA), the agencies in the two countries responsible for the health of plants and animals, will coordinate and provide technical assistance as necessary for improved animal health standards.
 
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) and the International Regional Organisation for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA) will support the implementation.
 
Mexican technical personnel have visited Belize to lay the foundations for on-site technical assistance which may become necessary in the future.