Hon. Marconi Leal, Belize’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, spearheaded the nation’s delegation at the 61st Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), held on November 20–21, 2025, in Georgetown, Guyana. The event centered on accelerating the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and tackling pressing trade and economic challenges across the region. A focal point was the progress toward enabling unrestricted movement of citizens among Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Additionally, the meeting addressed trade in goods, including proposed revisions to import duties on Belizean essentials. Member States also greenlit the creation of a regional compost standard, aligning with CARICOM’s sustainability objectives. Belize achieved a significant milestone with regional backing for the Caribbean Sugar Refinery, slated to commence operations by April 2026. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the sugar industry by producing premium, locally refined sugar and minimizing dependence on expensive imports. COTED also acknowledged Belize’s burgeoning trade ties with Guatemala and endorsed its strategy to negotiate an expanded Partial Scope Agreement to enhance economic integration and export competitiveness within CARICOM. Furthermore, Belize secured approval for the certification of its Partial Scope Agreement with El Salvador, paving the way for its formal signing. Minister Leal also engaged in bilateral talks with Jamaican Minister Aubyn Hill, exploring opportunities to boost trade in frozen citrus products. The Belizean delegation included H.E. Gale Miller, High Commissioner to Guyana; Andy Sutherland, Director General for Foreign Trade; Tricia Gideon, Deputy Director General; senior Customs and Excise Department officials; Tricia Soberanis, Deputy Comptroller; and Francis Alfaro, Trade Support Officer.