Belmopan, September 22, 2026.
Mrs. Narda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Investment and Civil Aviation, represented Belize at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 16, 2026, at the invitation of Ms. Anabel Gonzalez, the Vice President for Countries and Regional Integration. The forum brought together ministers, ambassadors, distinguished panellists, and representatives from across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss progress and opportunities under the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA).
The sessions featured strong participation and substantive contributions, highlighting the important progress achieved under the IFDA and the growing commitment across the region to advance practical reforms that facilitate investment, improve the business climate, and strengthen countries’ capacity to attract and retain productive investment. These efforts recognize investment as a central driver of growth, productivity, and opportunity across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Discussions also underscored a shared interest in strengthening regional cooperation and institutional capacity in support of investment facilitation and promotion. Participants expressed strong interest in establishing a Regional Network for Investment Facilitation and Promotion in Latin America and the Caribbean as a practical platform for exchanging experiences, strengthening institutional capabilities, and mobilizing technical and financial support.
The Inter-American Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this country-driven initiative and to working with countries across the region and other relevant stakeholders to advance its establishment. A formal invitation will be shared shortly with countries across the region and other relevant stakeholders for the official launch of the Regional Network, scheduled to take place in Panama on October 20.
The initiative represents an important opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration on investment facilitation, support practical reforms, and build institutional capacity, while creating stronger conditions for productive investment and sustainable economic growth across Latin America and the Caribbean.
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