The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and the National Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Services of Quintana Roo (CANACO SERVYTUR) had their first working session today, Friday, February 5, 2010. Please see below for the Joint Chamber Press Statement.
Press Statement
Friday, February 4, 2010
On Tuesday, October 13, 2009, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Services of Chetumal (CANACO SERVYTUR) entered into a collaboration agreement officially establishing a joint chamber to be called the Chamber of Commerce of Belize and Chetumal.
The inter-institutional agreement is to promote trade, economic and development cooperation between Belize and Quintana Roo. Both countries already enjoy a healthy relationship with one another, and this collaborative effort will only amplify and strengthen this relationship, while promoting a more structured and balanced way of taking advantage of opportunities in the true spirit of reciprocity.
Before entering into this arrangement, the BCCI put forward the condition that participation will mean going well beyond an event; it will mean developing a plan that will lead to results that are beneficial to both Belize and Quintana Roo. Today’s event is a step forward in that direction and since Belize holds the Presidency for 2010, we saw it fit that the first working session be held in Belize.
This session took place this morning, culminating with a working plan for the first quarter of this year. Issues relating to border facilitation, which includes a poster that will inform Belizeans and Mexicans about the requirements for travelling into both countries was agreed upon; as well as, a study in which Quintana Roo and Belize could jointly promote tourism in both countries. Of course this discussion will be broadened to include other stakeholders in the tourism industry. In addition, Tourism training for Belizeans in Mexico was also offered as a benefit of the Joint Chamber.
In relation to trade, both chambers recognize the importance of a formal trade agreement between both countries. We agree to continue the work to increase trade in the region to the benefit of both countries. These are just a few of the issues discussed and both chambers have agreed to meet in March of this year in Quintana Roo to begin substantive discussions of these areas of cooperation .
The Joint Chamber appreciates very much the presence of the Mexican Ambassador to Belize, His Excellency, Luis Manuel Lopez Moreno, and other officials of the embassy and certainly, members of the media.
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Media Contact:
Mrs. Vanessa Peyrefitte
Marketing & Public Relations Officer
Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry /Western Union
Email: marketingofficer@belize.org
Telephone Number: (501) - 223 – 5330
Fax Number: (501) - 223 - 5333
