19 businesses participate in Made in the U.S.A. Exhibit

Nineteen Belizean and American businesses have set up shop at the Radisson Fort George Hotel for the annual Made in the U.S.A. Exhibition. The event is hosted by the United States Embassy and this year celebrates its seventh anniversary. Speaking at the opening ceremonies this morning, U.S. Ambassador to Belize, Robert Dieter, said the two-day exhibition is beneficial for both countries.

Robert Dieter, U.S. Ambassador to Belize
“The United States remains Belize’s number one trading partner. In 2007 the United States accounted for thirty-three percent of Belizean imports and twenty-seven percent of exports. These included mainly agriculture products and tourism services. The exhibition is an opportunity to bring together American businesses and Belizean and American entrepreneurs to promote private enterprise and commercial exchange. The event showcases American products, services and investments in Belize. It also offers and opportunity for Belizean consumers and business community to sample American made products and provides a forum for making contacts and establishing potential business partnerships.”

Alexis Rosado, C.E.O., Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“We are trying to create the climate that will be conducive to these sorts of events. We have a partial scope agreement with Guatemala that is still pending, waiting for ratification on the Guatemalan side. The Central Americans are eager for us to coordinate a free trade agreement between CARICOM and Central America, something that Belize is being looked at to lead and we are poised to do so under this new administration.”

As part of the exhibit, this afternoon business persons attended mini seminars on the topics of Trademarks, Intellectual Property Rights, and Tourism. The Made in the U.S.A. Exhibit continues on Saturday. Entry is free and the public is invited to attend.