The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service, better known as BELTRAIDE, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
BELTRAIDE is a statutory body of the Government of Belize, and its primary purpose is to promote and facilitate trade and investment in Belize. But, part of the organization's mission is to assist and advise Belizean entrepreneurs and small business owners to navigate the day-to-day challenges and obstacles that come with running their enterprises.
They've been doing so for 20 years now, and to mark all those success stories, they've dedicated the 7th edition of the InvestBelize Magazine to their clients who have managed to thrive in the ever-changing business climate.
The staff held a virtual ceremony today via Facebook to launch the new magazine, and to celebrate their 2-decade-long history. Here are a few excerpts from the keynote speakers during that event:
Dr. Leroy Almendarez - Executive Director, BELTRAIDE
"Since its establishment in 2000, BELTRAIDE has been mandated to create and promote a dynamic and competitive business environment that inspires confidence for investment. Fast-forward to today, BELTRAIDE continues to champion and redefine the way Belize stimulates investor confidence by promoting entrepreneurship, supporting business growth, and encouraging innovation. Since the inception of the Invest Belize magazine in 2012, 6 volumes have been published, under various themes, becoming Belize's flagship publication on business."
"This edition of the Invest Belize Magazine is being launched under the theme, 'BELTRAIDE at 20 in 2020', in commemoration of BELTRAIDE's 20th anniversary. This volume highlights success stories of clients who have worked along with the various units of BELTRAIDE, and in so doing, provides numerous examples that can inspire those with an entrepreneurial vision to make it a reality. As we navigate the business environment in the era of COVID, we recognize that businesses and investors will continue to need assistance and guidance to adjust to new challenges."
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton - Minister of State/Investment, Trade, and Commerce
"BELTRAIDE has grown from strength to strength When this organization was first instituted 20 years ago, it was envisioned to become the investment promotion and facilitation agency of the Government of Belize. Today, fostering investment confidence is still a major goal of the young and very talented professionals who lead the charge."
"While we are living in an unprecedented time, I have never been more optimistic about the future of our country in the hands of this organization that has helped to chart the way forward for Belize's economic development. Since its inception, hundreds of developers and local businesses and entrepreneurs have accessed our support services and have enabled millions of dollars in investments in new industries that have translated to thousands of jobs for our citizens. These successes are chronicled in our many publications, including this 7th edition of our Invest Belize magazine. The stories of these magazines are those of resilience, determination, and the importance of partnerships for business success."
"The pandemic has caused an unprecedented health crisis on a global scale. Despite the sudden shift to the 'new normal', it is BELTRAIDE's firm commitment to continuously work to execute its mandate as effectively and as efficiently as we can."
BELTRAIDE has 4 sub-units to carry out its functions: BelizeINVEST, EXPORTBelize, the Small Business Development Centre, and the Belize Training and Employment Centre.
