Blue Diamond Ventures Inc (BLDV)

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On a positive note

The Govenment of Belize and the USA are working to improve the import and exports of Belize. Sadly no mention of Bio-Fuels or Goats.

http://belize.usembassy.gov/august_15.html

2008 Speeches
Made in the USA Exhibition Opening Remarks (August 15, 2008)
Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina
Belize City, Belize
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I want to welcome you to the seventh annual “Made in the USA” Exhibition. Over the past seven years, it has been the privilege of the U.S. Embassy to organize this event and we are indeed happy that you are able to join us today – new as well as previous participants. As you will note from your programs, we have a great lineup of exhibitors and as Sue noted, the program speakers who will make presentations this afternoon have lots to offer. The Exhibition has grown each year and we anticipate that this year’s will be even bigger and better.

The Made in the USA Exhibition is an opportunity to bring together American businesses and Belizean and American entrepreneurs to promote private enterprise and commercial exchange. This event showcases American products, services, and investments in Belize. It also offers an opportunity for Belizean consumers to sample American-made products and provides a forum for making contacts and establishing potential business partnerships. Additionally, as Sue mentioned earlier, there is the opportunity to learn more about intellectual property rights and tourism investment opportunities in Belize from industry experts. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to listen to these speakers later today.

Democratic political freedom and economic liberalism are the principles that define the world today. Since WWII, we have seen democracy prevail as the favored form of government because it delivers the most benefits to citizens. Likewise, free market economies have triumphed as the preferred mechanism for commerce and the best means for the creation of wealth. For that reason, the United States actively supports the liberalization of trade and promotes economic development.

Free trade is one of President Bush’s top priorities. His administration will have negotiated worldwide 10 Free Trade Agreements in 8 years – some of which encompass about 2/3 of the GDP of the western hemisphere and a large portion of the $555 billion annual Latin American-US trade.

Free trade agreements are an important part of U.S. trade policy because elimination of protective tariffs and quotas facilitate easy access to markets and market information, and create strong economic partnerships. Free trade allows imports and exports to flow from country to country, guided not by tariffs and regulations but by the laws of supply and demand. Moreover, open access to the market ensures that companies compete on an equal playing field, ultimately resulting in increased competition – that leads to more choices, better and more affordable products, and better services for local consumers – all benefits of globalization and freer trade.

I am often surprised, however, by the negative characterization of globalization. Globalization is the process that brings tourists to Belize – an industry that has grown dramatically and now accounts one in four jobs here. And the growing oil industry that contributes much to the local economy in new jobs sells its product and derives its revenue from a global market. Consider in another context, the late Andy Palacio. His success is an excellent example of how Belize benefits by participation in the phenomenon of globalization. Through dedication, talent and hard-work, Andy Palacio found a niche in the music world – but without a global market, his music may have been enjoyed only in Belize, perhaps even only in the south. Through expansion of markets and opportunities, globalization allowed the world to appreciate his talent and hear his music.

This also illustrates another point – that to take full advantage of the positives of globalization, Belize should continue to strengthen its institutional capabilities and competitiveness. This includes respecting international laws that come with participating in a globalized economy such as enforcing intellectual property rights. After all, what would Belizeans think if they stepped off a plane in LA, for example, and saw pirated copies of Andy’s album Watina selling for a dollar or two - seeing this great musician’s work illegally copied and distributed without any royalties going to his family?

Recent business surveys have reflected the positive side of the stable political environment and free market atmosphere in Belize by giving Belize high marks in terms of business and labor freedom. However, in previous years the perception of corruption has reduced the nation’s performance indicators. This is something that must change if Belize is to move forward with its own economic development in a serious way. Promoting transparency and accountability in global business and foreign investments is a key mission of U.S. embassies across the globe. As responsible and sound investors evaluate and compare potential opportunities globally, they seek business environments that are predictable, fair and straight-forward – and we encourage local governments to support standards and regulations that lead to the fair treatment of investors. And better aligning Belize’s educational system to the needs of the commercial sector will allow Belize to more fully take advantage of the opportunities of a global economy.

The United States strives to maintain positive ties and promote free exchange of goods, commodities, and ideas with Belize. As a result, the United States remains Belize’s number one trading partner. In 2007, the U.S. accounted for 33.5% of Belizean imports and 27.2% of exports - these included mainly agricultural products and tourism services. Over the past five years the U.S., on average, has accounted for almost 46.0% of total exports and 38.6% of total imports. And as further evidence of the strong ties between our nations, U.S. citizens account for over 90% of tourist arrivals.

The exportation of oil to Central American countries has skewed the recent export numbers, but in terms of agricultural products, the U.S. is still Belize’s most important market. Three exports -- citrus, papayas, and marine products alone account for an average of 31.0% of total Belizean exports -- greater than the combined total exports to other destinations such as the UK and Mexico.

These examples indicate how international commerce can continue to provide a route to prosperity and growth for both of our nations. Expanding businesses and investments across borders translates into increased job opportunities, more prospects for economic development and choices for consumers, and greater contact with larger markets – all results that are positive for Belize. These results also explain our annual efforts hosting the Made in the USA Exhibition – to promote American business in this country in a way that is also beneficial to Belize.

Increased and expanded trade has something valuable to offer the people of Belize. When our two countries work together in trade and commerce, we are taking steps toward the economic development of this country and towards the creation of a brighter, more prosperous future for its people. The Made in the USA Exhibition stands as a testament to our goal to strengthen trade relations between our nations. Thank you for attending today and for supporting American investment in Belize. I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of Sue Kuester and Darlene Gentle from the Embassy’s economic section and Denise Nisbet our public affairs assistant.