Belmopan, July 14, 2026.
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Transformation, continues to strengthen Belize’s regional financial integration through high-level engagement with the Central American Monetary Council (CMCA). The meeting formed part of a series of bilateral engagements held on the margins of the 58th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Finance of Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic (COSEFIN).
The Government of Belize was led by Dr. Hon. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, accompanied by Mr. Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry; and Mrs. Marina Laetitia Murillo and Mr. Hollis Parham, Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Belize. The Belize Delegation met with senior officials of the Central American Monetary Council, including Executive Secretary Mr. Odalis Marte, Chief Economist Mr. Jorge Madrigal Badilla, Senior Economist Mr. Wilfreido Diaz, and Dr. Federico Rivera Romero, Executive Secretary of COSEFIN.
During the meeting, Minister Martinez expressed the Government’s interest in having the Central Bank of Belize participate in the Central American Monetary Council, initially in an observer capacity. The initiative forms part of Belize’s broader efforts to strengthen regional financial cooperation, facilitate the integration of payment systems, and promote greater economic connectivity between Belize and Central America.
CAMC Executive Secretary, Mr. Odalis Marte, welcomed Belize’s interest and confirmed that discussions regarding the Central Bank of Belize’s participation have already commenced among member countries. He noted that several countries, including Costa Rica, have expressed their support for Belize’s inclusion in the Council’s regional payment system.
The meeting also established a clear pathway for Belize’s participation in the regional payment system. The CMCA has already submitted a formal communication to the Governor of the Central Bank of Belize. Upon receipt of an official expression of interest from the Central Bank, CMCA will conduct the necessary legal and technical review, after which the request could be presented to the Council for consideration at an upcoming meeting.
Belize’s engagement with the Central American Monetary Council reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening regional partnerships, modernizing the country’s financial infrastructure, and advancing initiatives that promote economic transformation, the Central Bank of Belize’s financial inclusion, and sustainable growth. The Ministry of Economic Transformation will continue working with regional partners to advance opportunities that benefit the Belizean people and deepen Belize’s integration into the regional financial system.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Carlos Pol
Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Economic Transformation
