The Prime Minister of Belize, Johnny Bricenoproposed this Wednesday, in a virtual regional summit convened by Mexico, to prioritize investments in technology to improve food production in the region and thus face the effects of inflation.
“Investment funds should be prioritized in scientific and technological programs for agricultural production in our countries, because by improving food production in the region we can isolate ourselves from the adverse impacts of the global crisis, including pandemics”Briceno said.
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Briceño described the virtual summit, where 10 Latin American countries participated, as a “opportunity to reduce barriers and generate a common food basket” and thus stabilize “the food and services sector of the region.”
He added that international cooperation programs such as the “Sowing Life”which Mexico implemented during 2022 in Belize, are “fundamentals”. These to technify small agricultural producers and promote cultivation for self-consumption.
Today, I signed the Statutory Instrument removing taxes from sanitary products, and now appeal to the business community to reduce the prices.
Thank you Seidi Quetzal, my wife H. E. Rossana Briceño and Hon. Min. D. Balderamos Garcia for the advocacy on “Don’t Tax My Femininity”. pic.twitter.com/hO1uQFDUvM
— John Briceno (@JohnBricenoBZE) April 5, 2023
Summit organized by Mexico
During the summit convened by Mexican President Manuel López Obrador, representatives of the Government of Cuba and Honduras also participated. In addition Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The leaders agreed to create a technical group made up of representatives from each country to expedite access to basic products.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Latin America closed 2022 with inflation of 14.8%. It is expected that in 2023 it will be at 9.9%.
Prime Minister Briceño also recalled the importance in the region of creating “decent work opportunities”. also of “diversify trading partners” to deal with the economic crisis.
