Photo: Hon. Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining
by Kristen Ku
SAN PEDRO, Ambergris Caye, Mon. Sept. 4, 2023
This past weekend, Belize became the focal point of international investment talks, as the Investment Summit 2023 kicked off at the prestigious Grand Caribe Belize hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Esteemed members of the government, ambassadors, and a diverse gathering of investors and business figures convened to explore the multitude of investment opportunities and the inherent charm of Belize.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining, Hon. Cordel Hyde, one of the summit’s speakers, delivered a passionate keynote address, painting a vivid picture of Belize’s natural splendor and its boundless investment prospects.
Echoing the undeniable allure of Belize, Mr. Hyde remarked, “The incomparable San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, this island is only a small snapshot of what Belize has to offer, a small peek into this country whose entire terrain should be considered a World Heritage site.”
With its unbroken barrier reef, majestic atolls, and the iconic Blue Hole, Belize is nothing short of an environmental marvel. Visitors are inevitably attracted by the untouched beauty of our country—whether it’s basking on the sandy beaches, diving into the depths of the Blue Hole, or exploring the mystique of the Mayan ruins. Hyde noted that beyond the pristine landscapes, the heart of Belize lies in its people—English-speaking, often bilingual, and characterized by a unique warmth and sincerity.
With over 40% of Belize’s population residing and working along the coast, there’s a natural bond between the Belizean livelihood and its ecosystems. For Belize, preservation isn’t just a strategy—it’s its essence. Hyde said this belief, deeply rooted in borrowing the land from future generations, has prompted the country to safeguard nearly 40% of its land in protected reserves, and that our commitment to sustainable development ensures a harmony between current needs and the aspirations of future generations.
However, sustainability is not the only pillar of Belize’s vision. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of balancing economic growth with environmental conscientiousness and societal progress. In his words, “It is our noble task to ensure that we foster the enabling environment that converts, that leverages this abundant natural capital to create a Belize where everybody wins, where the investors get a good, comfortable rate of return on their investments, while the people simultaneously get to enjoy a high quality of life in perpetuity, because we sincerely believe that when people do better, businesses do better.”
On the economic front, the government is taking strides in modernizing land administration. One of its main upgrades includes Landfolio 7, a cutting-edge web-based software suite, that promises to digitize land transactions, thereby elevating the overall land management process.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister unveiled a developing business unit, created to streamline business operations across departments. This initiative aims to foster a conducive environment for business startups, expansion, and financing.