In a development cooperation initiative set to enhance evidence-based policy making in Central America, the Republic of Korea has committed a $3.4 million grant to upgrade Belize’s national statistical infrastructure, aimed at refining data collection processes and expanding the Belizean government’s capacity to leverage data for core national decision-making. This funding is channeled through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as part of the Enabling Belize’s Statistical System Project, a targeted effort to address gaps in the country’s data ecosystem.
At the center of the project is the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), which has already received tangible support ranging from cutting-edge digital technology and new office equipment to specialized training that builds the technical proficiency of SIB staff and overhauls outdated institutional systems and operational workflows.
Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer of Belize’s Ministry of Economic Transformation, explained that the initiative is delivering dual benefits: it is expanding the country’s domestic pool of trained, professional statisticians while directly strengthening SIB’s core ability to gather and process high-quality data. “The project is also improving the capabilities of the officers, improving the methodologies, improving the processes, so that we can have accurate and timely data,” Pol noted in a statement on the project’s outcomes to date.
A key innovation being rolled out under the program is the integration of advanced digital tools, including artificial intelligence, into SIB’s daily operations. These technologies are designed to streamline workflows, reduce processing time, and unlock more sophisticated analytical capacity for both routine and complex data projects.
For the Belizean government, the improved statistical system translates directly to more effective governance. “More data means that Cabinet can make more informed decisions, can make more informed policies and projects,” Pol emphasized. Beyond supporting day-to-day governance, the project is also enabling SIB to assist the Government of Belize (GOB) in building a formal monitoring and evaluation framework for the country’s Medium-Term Development Strategy. This framework will allow officials to track key performance indicators consistently across all government agencies, ensuring development initiatives stay aligned with national goals.
As the current project nears its completion, Belize has already begun discussions to secure a larger follow-up investment from South Korea. If approved, the expanded support would extend upgrades to SIB and bring improved data capacity to additional government entities across the country, deepening the long-term impact of the initial partnership.