Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.

To start a new business, American investors can establish a Belizean limited liability company under Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize.  To set up a new company or to own shares in a Belizean company, non-Belizean citizens must seek permission from the Central Bank of Belize.  After forming a company, trade licenses must be acquired from the local city or municipal town council.

A potential way for American exporters to penetrate the Belize market is to seek a local importer/wholesaler to act as an agent/distributor in Belize.  A typical distribution chain for an American-made product involves the U.S. manufacturer or distributor, the local importer or wholesaler (who may act as the distributor), the retailer, and finally the buyer/consumer.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.