Belize: Investing

FDI in Figures

Belize encourages foreign investment, particularly export-oriented businesses established in the less-developed areas. The share of FDI stock in terms of GDP has been increasing since 2000. It has risen from 36% to almost 60% today. However, the promotion of investment in Belize has always been complicated by the bureaucracy and the many ministries sharing authority over all investments.

Tourism attracts most of FDI. The main investing countries are Brazil, Guatemala and the Central American countries.

In 2010, the stock of FDI decreased. The World Bank Doing Business 2011 report ranked the country down six places, which is also not going to boost investor confidence.

	Belize	Latin America & Caribbean	الولايات المتحدة	Germany
Index of Investor Protection	4.3	5.1	8.3	5.0

Source: Doing Business

Note: The Greater the Index, the Higher the Level of Investor Protection.

Foreign Direct Investment	2008	2009	2010
FDI Inward Flow (million USD)	191	109	97
FDI Stock (million USD)	1,057.7	1,145.4	1,242.9
FDI Inwards (in % of GFCF****)	72.8	60.7	-
FDI Stock (in % of GDP)	77.8	86.3	-

Source: UNCTAD - Last Available Data

Note: * The UNCTAD Inward FDI Performance Index is Based on a Ratio of the Country's Share in Global FDI Inflows and its Share in Global GDP. ** The UNCTAD Inward FDI Potential Index is Based on 12 Economic and Structural Variables Such as GDP, Foreign Trade, FDI, Infrastructures, Energy Use, R&D, Education, Country Risk. *** Green Field Investments Are a Form of Foreign Direct Investment Where a Parent Company Starts a New Venture in a Foreign Country By Constructing New Operational Facilities From the Ground Up. **** Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) Measures the Value of Additions to Fixed Assets Purchased By Business, Government and Households Less Disposals of Fixed Assets Sold Off or Scrapped.

Tax Rates

General sales tax (GST): 10%
Company Tax: 0.25
Withholding Taxes: Dividends: 15%, Interests: 15%, Royalties: 15%.
Bilateral Agreement: Egypt and Belize are not bound by a taxation agreement.
Social Security Contributions Paid By Employers: 6.5%

Investment Opportunities

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement: Inter-American Development Bank, Tenders in South America
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide
Setting Up a Company: Consult Doing Business Website, to know about procedures to start a Business in Belize.
Useful Resources: Belize Trade and Investment Development Services (BELTRAIDE

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