Belize and El Salvador advance trade and security cooperation

The Belizean Senate has passed a resolution approving the Belize–El Salvador Partial Scope Agreement (PSA), following similar ratification by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador. The agreement aims to provide preferential market access for Belizean goods, such as grains, meats, citrus, seafood, juices, and honey. In return, Belize will extend tariff preferences to Salvadoran products, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery, and construction materials.

Separately, Belizean Minister of National Security, Energy and Ports Michel Chebat announced plans for officials to visit El Salvador to study its strategies for combating gang violence. While acknowledging human rights concerns regarding El Salvador’s security crackdown, Chebat stated that Belize seeks to identify adaptable strategies that fit its own legal and social circumstances to address a surge in domestic shootings and gang disputes.