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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 51771, member: 636"] International Monetary Fund officials completed an assessment of Belize's economic performance after conducting meetings with government leaders and private sector representatives from July 1 through 11. The visiting team found that strong post-pandemic recovery has transformed the nation's fiscal landscape since 2020. Economic expansion reached 8.1 percent during 2024 as tourism, trade and transportation sectors drove substantial gains. Public debt decreased dramatically from 103 percent of gross domestic product to 61 percent over four years. Poverty rates declined from 36 percent in 2021 to 22 percent by last year. Fund economists project economic momentum will decelerate to 1.5 percent growth during 2025 as tourist arrivals diminish and agricultural challenges persist. Weather disruptions and crop diseases have weakened farming output while visitor numbers show signs of decline. Medium-term projections indicate growth will stabilize around 2 percent annually. Inflation should moderate to 1.3 percent as global commodity prices ease. The organization expects these trends to continue without significant policy interventions. IMF representatives identified several priority areas for maintaining economic stability and reducing debt burdens further. Government savings should increase gradually while public pension reforms address long-term sustainability concerns. Tax collection systems require enhancement alongside investments in worker training programs and infrastructure development. Crime prevention measures and disaster preparedness strategies need strengthening given climate vulnerabilities. Financial sector improvements should focus on expanding credit access and reinforcing banking safety mechanisms while continuing anti-money laundering efforts. [/QUOTE]

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