Geneva, 4 and 6 May 2026 – The fourth Trade Policy Review of Belize was held at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO and Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body.

The delegation of Belize was led by Dr. Harold Young, Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. During the sessions, the country presented information on its socio-economic development, macroeconomic stability, post-COVID-19 recovery, and ongoing reforms in trade and investment policy.

Particular attention during the sessions was given to the implementation of the National Trade Policy 2019–2030, the development of the blue economy, customs reform, digital transformation, and economic diversification. WTO Members commended Belize's ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the opening of the country's permanent mission to the WTO in February 2026, and progress in trade facilitation, while also calling attention to the need to address gaps in notification obligations, reduce trade costs, and adopt a competition law.

H.E. Mr. Colin Murdoch, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the WTO, served as discussant for the Review. During the discussion, delegations from 26 WTO Member States expressed support for Belize's efforts to integrate into the multilateral trading system and called for expanded technical assistance to small and vulnerable economies.

Chair Kairat Torebayev thanked the delegation of Belize and WTO Members for a constructive and substantive dialogue, noting that the Trade Policy Review mechanism is a key instrument for strengthening transparency and supporting reforms aimed at sustainable economic development.

The Trade Policy Review of Belize marked the final event of Kazakhstan's annual chairmanship of the WTO Trade Policy Review Body. Over the course of the chairmanship under the leadership of Kairat Torebayev, 12 reviews were conducted, including the first Review of the United Kingdom following its withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit), as well as reviews of Norway, Colombia, and other WTO Member States.

The responsibilities of the incoming Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body pass to H.E. Ms. Nella Pepe Tavita-Levi, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the WTO. The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO expresses its appreciation to all Members of the Organization for their cooperation and support throughout the year of chairmanship.

The next Trade Policy Review will take place on 27 and 29 May 2026 and will be dedicated to Japan.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1217008?lang=kk