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Chapter 5: Findings – Presentation and
Analysis
5.1 Findings – Presentation and Analysis
The literature reviewed and the data collected in this project, using a
qualitative and quantitative research approach, are presented and analyzed in
the following discussions. The assessment of findings is designed to
answer the main research question: What are the purpose and the importance
of the EPZ program in the Belizean economy?
The examination of the literature review and the data collected also answers
the following subordinate questions:
1. How have EPZ evolved in Belize?
2. What areas of the Belizean economy are impacted by the EPZ
program?
3. What factors within the EPZ program influences its impact on the
Belizean Economy?
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5.2 Presentation of Findings related to each Subordinate
Question
Question 1
5.2.1 How have EPZ evolved in Belize?
In answering this question the EPZ legislation’s development will be reflected
upon along with the EPZ program’s development related to designated
companies, industry composition, ownership, location of companies, and
status of companies.
5.2.1.1 Evolution of the EPZ Program
5.2.1.1.1 Evolution of the EPZ Act
The EPZ Act of 1990 provided for the establishment and operation of EPZ
within Belize to promote economic growth and development, to stimulate new
investment, and to create new employment opportunities. (EPZ Act, 1990)
Unfortunately the original EPZ Act did not contain provisions that
encompassed “stand alone” EPZ, Special EPZ, which would be able to
operate independently outside an EPZ Developer. This independent
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operation was required for companies in Aquaculture, Agro-Processing and
Manufacturing to effectively and efficiently utilize the country’s raw materials.
The EPZ Act of 1990 only provided for the operations of EPZ Developers to be
established to administer an EPZ and for an EPZ Business to operate within
an EPZ Developer. (EPZ Act 1990) This aspect of the EPZ Act should have
provided a clustering effect of companies operating within designated large
industrial areas thereby attaining economies of scale. Conversely there was
only one EPZ Designation, an EPZ Developer, in the program from the
introduction of the Act in 1990 to its first amendment in 1994. (Table 3 and
Figure 3)
Table 3Annual Designation and Industry (1992 – 2003)
Year Industry
EPZ
Developer Aquaculture Data-Processing Manufacturing Agro-Processing Other TOTAL
Y
%
1992 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
1993 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1994 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1995 0 0 1 1 0 0 2
1996 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
1997 0 3 0 0 0 0 3
1998 0 2 0 0 3 0 5
1999 1 1 5 0 2 0 9
2000 3 6 16 2 2 0 29
2001 0 2 12 2 0 0 16
2002 0 3 12 1 1 4 21
2003 2 1 14 1 2 4 24
TOTAL 7 19 60 7 10 8 111
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Industry
% 6.3 17.1 54.1 6.3 9 7.2 100
Figure 3
Annual Designation and Industry (1992 – 2003)
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0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
19921994
19961998
20002002
Year
Number of companie
s
EPZ Developer
Acquaculture
Data-Processing
Manufacturing
Agro-Processing
Other
S
ource: Ministry of Finance (2003)
The implemented clustering policy was clearly unsuccessful to the extent that
no EPZ Business obtained designation during the first four (4) years of the
program.
The amendments to the legislation in 1994 provided investors with the added
option of attaining EPZ status for a single business and its facilities, a Special
EPZ (EPZ Act 1994). In effect a single Special EPZ firm represented its own
EPZ Business and EPZ Developer in one. These “stand alone’, Special EPZ
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designations increased from zero (0) in 1994 to two (2) in 1995 to thirteen (13)
in 1999 to thirty eighth (38) by 2003. (Table 4 and Figure 4)
Table 4
Annual Designation and Type (1992 – 2003)
Year Type
Developer Business Special TOTAL
1992 1 0 0 1
1993 0 0 0 0
1994 0 0 0 0
1995 0 0 2 2
1996 0 0 1 1
1997 0 0 3 3
1998 0 1 4 5
1999 1 5 3 9
2000 3 17 9 29
2001 0 12 4 16
2002 0 14 7 21
2003 2 17 5 24
TOTAL 7 66 38 111Type % 6.3 59.5 34.2 100
Figure 4
Annual Designation and Type (1992 – 2003)
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0
2
4
6
8
10
1214
16
18
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
Year of Designation
Number of Companies
Developer
Business
Special
So
urce: Ministry of Finance (2004) These thirty eight (38) Special EPZ designations were widely distributed in
Aquaculture, Data-Processing, Manufacturing, Agro-Processing and Other
industries (Table 5 and Figure 5)
Table 5
Industry and Type
Industry Type
Developer Business Special TOTAL
Aquaculture 0 0 19 19
Data-Processing 0 59 1 60
Manufacturing 0 5 2 7
Agro-Processing 0 1 9 10
Other 0 1 6 8
Developer 7 0 0 7
TOTAL 7 66 38 111
Type % 6.3 59.5 34.2 100
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Figure 5
Industry and Type
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Developer Business Special
Designation Type
N
umber of Companies
Acquaculture
Data-Processing
Manufacturing
Agro=Processing
Other
Developer
Sour
ce: Ministry of Finance (2004)
The 1994 amendments therefore marked the commencements of the EPZ
program in respect to companies operating. From 1995 to 1997, all six (6)
designated EPZ were Special EPZ. (Table 3 and Figure 3) These
companies obtained designations in Manufacturing (Garment), one (1),
Data-Processing, one (1), and Aquaculture, four (4). (Table 5 and Figure 4)
Other amendments made in 1994 included an increase in the number of
members on the EPZC from eight to ten and expanding the membership by
including the Belize Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Sector, the
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Industrial Sector, the EPZ Developers and the EPZ Businesses. Also there
was a decentralization of power from the Minister under whose portfolio the
program falls to the EPZC.
The Honorable Ralph Fonseca, 2004, Minister of Finance, in his 2004-2005
Budget Speech, Rebalancing Growth to Work for all Belizeans, informed that
rebalancing tax measures and monetary policy, specifically, immediate
amendments to the EPZ Act, would lead to the effective administration of EPZ
legislation disallowing any exemptions on fuel not used for energy generation
or vehicles not directly involved with production, disallowing transactions in
Belize Dollars and increasing the fines an penalties for violations respectively.
5.2.1.2 Analysis of the Evolution of the EPZ Act
The EPZ Act of 1990 represented the government opting to implement the
EPZ program geared solely towards an industrial clustering effect of gathering
companies to operate within an enclave environment. Governments can
better control the impact of the fenced off zones on the regional and national
economy (Madani, 1999). For instance, some of the early Chinese SEZs
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were designed as enclaves or “laboratories” where capitalist ideas, working
relationships and dynamics are evaluated before potential propagation into the
rest of the economy (Madani, 1999). The enclave system was designed
solely to generate static benefits such as employment and foreign exchange
earnings (Baissac, 2003) The impact of fenced-off zones are limited to the
immediate region where they are located and their locational limitation
reduces the opportunities for knowledge and technological spill-over, thus
diminishing the chances of continued contribution to economic growth (Madani,
1999) The 1994 amendment reflected a change in policy toward the new
vibrant form of EPZ. This new paradigm of EPZ was recognized as dynamic,
investment-intensive, management driven, enabling and integrating (Haywood,
2000) The success of Mauritius, Dominican Republican and Jamaican EPZ
highlights the importance of allowing geographical diversity and EPZ (Madani,
1999). This approach has been so rewarding that both Mauritian and
Dominican Republican economies have been described as highly dynamic,
and as “one big EPZ”.
The added diversity of the EPZC members and the expansion of the EPZC
provided for greater participation, authority and responsibility in the program
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by the stakeholders of the program. EPZ property developers, owners and
managers, EPZ operators, labor representatives, and government officials in
charge of regulation and administration of the EPZ regime should work closely
together on EPZ development strategy and policy (Baissac, 2003).
The amendments that strengthened the regulatory framework, and clarified
imports, provided a sound basis for the EPZ authority to continue effectively
administering the program.
The analysis of the legislation’s evolution reveals that the EPZ program has
advance legislatively from the static enclave type to recognizing the new
dynamic, enabling zone paradigm of an integrated economic development
tool.
5.2.1.3 The Evolution of EPZ Designations
In reference to designation, Belize’s EPZ program has experienced significant
development. The program initially experienced slow growth from the
passing of the EPZ legislation in 1990 to the designation of only one (1) EPZ
Developer in 1992. (Table 3 and Figure 3) From 1992 to 1994 the program
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experienced a stagnant period until the original act of 1990 was amended to
make provisions for Special EPZ and the decentralization of the government’s
authority to the EPZC which was also expanded to reflect a cross section of
the major stakeholders of the program. The period of 1995 to 1997 the
program was immediately expanded by six (6) new Special EPZ in the
Manufacturing, Data-Processing and Aquaculture industries. (Table 3 and
Figure 3) 1999 marked the commencement of a surge of Data-Processing
EPZ Businesses into the program which totaled fifty nine (59) and represented
fifty four point one (54.1) percent of the total designated companies in the
program as at the end of 2003. (Table 3 and Figure 3) The line of businesses
of the designated Data-Processing EPZ Businesses include General Data
Entry, Professional Managerial Service, Telephone and Internet Gaming,
Customer Services, Telemarketing, Travel Reservations, Credit Card
Payments, E-commerce, Web Hosting and Software Development. (Table 1)
Simultaneously with the surge of Data-Processing EPZ Businesses there was
an increase in the number and the diversity of the Special EPZ. The program
developed from one (1) EPZ Developer with no EPZ Businesses in operation
and two (2) Special EPZ during the period of 1990 to 1995 in to a program that
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has expanded to encompass Agro-Processing and Other industries as of 2003.
(Table 3 and Figure 2) Aquaculture has expanded to include Post Larvae
Cultivation, Shrimp and Tilapia Fish Cultivation and Processing. (Table 1)
Manufacturing has expanded to encompass the Production of Stone Tiles and
Slabs, Garment, Veneer, Plywood, Building Panels, Furniture, Marimba Bars
and Xylophone Bars. (Table 1) Organic Rice, Honey, Fruits and Vegetables
Dehydration and Packaging, Orange and Grapefruit Concentrates, Essential
Oils, Bamboo Shoot Cultivation and Processing are all merged into
Agro-Processing. (Table 1) Other comprises of Movie Production, Medical
Education, Casino and Pharmaceutical.
Fonseca, 2004, informed that the cruise ship and tourism entities currently
operating in Belize have been signaled that they may be granted EPZ status
pending significant investments and employment on their behalf.
5.1.2.3 DataPro e-Business & Free Zone
DataPro e-Business Park is a private sector designated EPZ Developer in the
EPZ program. Data Pro e-Business Park offers state-of-the-art office space,
communications, and ancillary services tailored to the needs of companies that
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wish to take advantage of the unique e-business opportunities created by the
fusion of a Free Trade Export Processing Zone, traditional offshore financial
services, and the latest information Technologies (DataPro, 2003).
5.1.2.4 State of the art Office Complex
DataPro e-Business park’s build-to-suit executive office interiors range in size
from one thousand (1,000) to ten thousand (10,000) square feet (DataPro,
2004) All buildings are equipped with all the necessary utilities such as
electricity, water, air conditioning, and are pre-installed with fiber optic cable
throughout. Offices are situated in an access restricted twenty four (24) hour,
guard-gated compound (DataPro, 2004).
5.2.1.5 Communication Services
DataPro e-Business Park, in partnership with Gemini Communications, offers
the finest competitively priced high-speed data communications in the region.
Bandwidth is supplied in dedicated lines that range from a 64K line, to an E-1
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connection. Gemini also offers discount long-distance, 1-800 number
telephone services, and full-service call centre installations (DataPro, 2004).
5.2.1.6 Ancillary Services
Through its strategic partners, DataPro e-Business Park offers a wide range of
ancillary services such as incorporation on International Business Companies,
Internet Gaming turnkey packages and other legal services (DataPro, 2004).
5.2.1.7 Free Zone
In addition to operating in a hi-tech office compound, businesses pay no
income tax, no capital gains tax, and no sales or value added tax. All
equipment including service and utility vehicles and office furniture are free of
custom duties and any other tax (DataPro, 2004).
DataPro e-Business Park epitomizes Belize’s EPZ program as it represents
the private sector led diversification and paradigm shift of not only EPZ in
Belize, but also that of the wider Belizean economy. DataPro e-Business
Park was designed and built from the ground up with the information Economy
enterprises in mind (DataPro, 2004).
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DataPro e-Business Park carries out its own marketing and promotion in
attracting local and international clients. The surge in Data-Processing
designations and inactivity is as a result of the Data-Processing EPZ
Developer building up its private sector led development in Data-Processing.
These inactive companies represent shell companies which are held by the
Developer and marketed to local and international investors as part of their
ground up, turnkey packages. The park attracts mainly technology
companies that wish to expand or relocate their operations to a secure and
stable offshore location that offers exceptionally attractive fiscal incentives,
security, and privacy (DataPro, 2004). DataPro e-Business Park is the
region’s premiere infrastructure provider for enterprises with mission-critical,
offshore e-Business operations (DataPro, 2004)
5.2.1.8 Analysis of Evolution of Designations
The program has evolved from one that was initially epitomized by a garment
company, which characterizes the static enclave type of EPZ programs of the
past, to a program that is dynamic and filled with vigor; great private sector led
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sustainable development prospective and is in constant transformation. (Table
1)
5.2.1.9 Evolution of EPZ Ownership
The program has investors from North America (American and Canada), Asia
(Taiwan and Korea), Latin America (Panama) and Belize. The program has
had an increase in Belizean investors, an introduction of Joint Ventures, and
an introduction of Asian investors since 1999. (Table 6 and Figure 6)
Table 6
Annual Designation and Ownership (1992 – 2003)
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Year Ownership Nationality
Belizean
Joint
Ventures American Taiwanese Koreans Canadian Panamanian TOTAL
1992 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
1993 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1994 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1995 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2
1996 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
1997 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
1998 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 5
1999 7 1 1 0 0 0 0 9
2000 19 2 4 3 1 0 0 29
2001 14 0 1 1 0 0 0 16
2002 13 1 5 0 0 1 1 21
2003 16 1 6 0 0 1 0 24
TOTAL 78 5 20 4 1 2 1 111
Ownership
% 703 4.5 18 3.6 0.9 0.18 0.9 100
Figure 6
Annual Designation and Ownership (Detail on Foreign) (1999 – 2003)
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0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
19921994
19961998
20002002
Year of Designation
Number of Companie
sBelizeanJoint Ventures
American
Taiwanese
Koreans
Canadian
Panamainian
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
The concentration of the designated ownership is by Belizeans. The only
other significant ownership in terms of number of designated companies is
American. (Table 6 and Figure 6)
The program is dominated with Belizean and American ownership and this is
further characterized by only these two groups having designations in all six
industries. (Table 7 and Figure 7)
Table 7
Ownership and Industry
Industry Ownership
Belizean
Joint
Venture American Taiwanese Korean Canadian Panamanian TOTAL
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Aquaculture 10 3 5 1 0 0 0 19
Data Processing 53 0 6 0 0 1 0 60
Manufacturing 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 7
Agro-Processing 6 1 1 1 0 1 0 10
EPZ Developer 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 7
Other 2 0 5 0 0 0 1 8
TOTAL 78 5 20 4 1 2 1 111
Figure 7
Ownership and Industry
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Acq u
aculture
Data-P
rocessing
Manufacturin
g
Ag ro
-Processing
EP
Z Developer
Other
Industry
Number of Companie
s
Belizean
Joint Venture
American
Taiwanese
Korean
Canadian
Panamanian
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
Belizean designations are concentrated in the Data-Processing industry.
(Table 5 and Figure 5)
5.2.1.10 Analysis of Evolution of EPZ Ownership
The program has evolved from the presence of Belizean and American
investors in its commencement to now including investors from Canada,
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Taiwan, Panama and Korea that have not only added to the ownership and
export diversity of the Belizean economy but more so to its diversity in
knowledge, management and supervisory techniques and culture. The data
presents that there is a wide range of ownership, Belizean, American,
Taiwanese, Korean, Canadian and Panamanian. The ownership of
companies in the program also reflects high participation from Belizean
companies. Jayanthakumaran, 2003, in her benefit-cost appraisal of EPZ in
South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines,
concludes that a heavy reliance on foreign investors is unlikely to maximize
the welfare of citizens and that there should be a balance between domestic
and foreign investment. The high number of Belizean companies may
provide an important source of benefit to the economy through their domestic
profits. In reference to Jayanthakumaran argument, it is essential that the
program increases its foreign investment in order to attain a balance.
5.2.1.11 EPZ Location Evolution
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Belize is divided into six (6) districts; Corozal and Orange Walk, north, Belize,
central/east, Cayo, west, and Stann Creek and Toledo, south. (Figure 6)
Belize’s barrier reef, which is 185 miles long, is the longest in the Western
Hemisphere. Its cays are located between the mainland and the barrier reef,
on the barrier reef, and on or within the barrier reef perimeters of the offshore
atolls. The northern half of the mainland of Belize is a plain and has large
areas of table land. The land is covered with a thin layer of soil, which
supports scrub vegetation and dense hardwood tropical forest. The coastal
area is neither land nor sea, but a sodden, swampy transition between the two.
It consists of mangrove and grasses, and is bordered by tussock grasses,
cypress, and sycamore where the land separates the water. The central part of
Belize consists of sandy soil that supports large savannas. Approximately thirty
miles southwest of Belize City, the land begins to rise dramatically to between
1,500 and 3,680 feet above sea level into the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and
the Maya Mountains. Abundant rainfall runs off the northwest from the
highlands in a number of streams. The southern part of Belize, with its
watershed to the southeast from the Maya Mountains, consists of short rivers
that rush through slopes combed with overhanging ledges and caves. The
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rivers, carrying sand, clay and silt, have enriched the coastal belt over the years,
allowing Belize to develop significant agricultural products such as citrus and
bananas. Along with an annual rainfall of some 170 inches, southern Belize has
a true tropical rain forest that is rich with ferns, palms, lianas, and tropical
hardwoods.
(Belize Tourism Board, 2004)
Figure 8
Map of Belize by Districts
Source: Belize Tourism Board (2004)
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The south which is characterized by enriched soil has mainly Agro-Processing
and Aquaculture EPZ activities; the west is characterized by savannahs and
mountains has mainly Manufacturing and Agro-Processing EPZ activities,
Belize district is characterized by Data-Processing, and the which is
characterized by north is characterized by table land has mainly Other EPZ
activities. (Table 9 and Figure 10)
The program has grown in reference to EPZ locations from one (1) in the
northern district of Corozal in 1992 to four (4) of the other five (5) districts.
(Table 8 and Figure 9) There has been no EPZ designation in Orange Walk.
Table 8
Annual Designation and Location (1992 – 2003)
Year District
Corozal
Orange
Walk Belize Cayo
Stann
Creek Toledo TOTAL
1992 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
1993 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1994 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1995 0 0 2 0 0 0 2
1996 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
1997 0 0 1 0 2 0 3
1998 1 0 1 1 1 1 5
1999 0 0 6 0 3 0 9
2000 3 0 18 3 4 1 29
2001 0 0 13 2 1 0 16
2002 3 0 12 3 3 0 21
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2003 2 0 20 1 1 0 24
TOTAL 10 0 73 10 15 3 111
District % 8.1 0 65.8 9 15.3 0.18 100
Figure 9
Annual Designation and Location (1992 – 2003)
0
5
10
15
20
25
19921994
19961998
20002002
Year
Number of Companie Corozal
Orange Wlak
Belize
Cayo
Stann Creek
Toledo
S
ource: Ministry of Finance (2004)
The surge of designations since 1999 has been based in the Belize district,
sixty five (65.8) percent of total designations and this has been in
Data-Processing by Belizean investors. (Table 9 and Table 10)
Table 9
Location and Industry
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Industry District
Corozal
Orange
Walk Belize Cayo
Stann
Creek Toledo TOTAL
Aquaculture 0 0 4 2 9 3 18Data-Processing 0 0 60 0 0 0 60
Manufacturing 1 0 2 4 0 0 7
Agro-Processing 2 0 0 3 5 0 10
EPZ Developer 3 0 4 0 0 0 7
Other 4 0 3 1 1 0 9
TOTAL 10 0 73 10 15 3 111
Figure 10
Location and Industry
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Corozal
Orang e Wlak
Belize
Cayo
Stann Cre
ek
Toledo
Industries
Number of Compan
ies
Acquaculture
Data-Processing
Manufacturing
Agro-Processing
EPZ Developer
Other
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
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5.2.1.12 Analysis of EPZ Location Evolution
Mandani, 1999, insists that EPZ would not flourish unless they were fitted with
easy access to sea ports or airports, energy and water sources, good roads,
above average (by country standards) communication facilities and available
and adequately skilled workers. He explained that in 1973 the Bataan Zone
in the Philippines, located in a mountainous area some one hundred and sixty
(160) kilo meters from Manila, despite the government spending nearly US
$200 was a prime example of a poor location, which failed to reach its goals
due to it isolation from the country’s industrial center and poor infrastructure.
The same occurred to the Puerto Limon zone on Costa Rica’s
Atlantic/Caribbean cost and the Zone Franche d’Inga in Zaire.
In line with Mandani’s observations, the low number of companies in the
southern district of Toledo, the poorest district of the country, and the high
density of companies designated in Belize, the economic center of the country,
was not only inevitable, but it also increases the effectiveness of the program.
(Table 8 and Figure 9)
5.2.1.13 EPZ Status Evolution
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The program has fifty three (53) active companies and fifty eight (58) inactive
companies. (Table 10 and Figure 9) The annual surge in Data-Processing
EPZ Business designations since 1999 has been nullified by an increase in
inactivity of designated EPZ. This inactivity is mainly found in the
Data-Processing designated EPZ Businesses. (Table 11 and Figure 12)
Table 10
Annual Designation and Status (1992 – 2003)
Year Status
Active Inactive TOTAL
1992 1 0 1
1993 0 0 0
1994 0 0 0
1995 1 1 2
1996 1 0 1
1997 3 0 3
1998 5 0 5
1999 6 3 9
2000 15 14 29
2001 7 9 16
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2002 9 12 21
2003 5 19 24
TOTAL 53 58 111
Status % 47.7 52.3 100
Figure 11
Annual Designation and Status (1992 – 2003)
0
5
10
15
20
2530
35
19921993
19941995
19961997
19981999
20002001
20022003
Year
Number of Companies
Active
Inactive
TOTAL
So
urce: Ministry of Finance (2004)
Data-Processing and Aquaculture have the same number of active companies,
seventeen (17), which are also the most operational companies in the six (6)
industries of the program. (Table 11 and Figure 11) However, in terms of
inactive companies Data-Processing outweighs Aquaculture by forty three (43)
to two (2). (Table 11 and Figure 12) Data -Processing accounts for forty
three (43) of the fifty eight (58) inactive companies (Table 11 and Figure 11)
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Table 11
Industry and Status
Industry Status
Active Inactive Total
Aquaculture 17 2 19
Data-Processing 17 43 60
Manufacturing 5 2 7
Agro-Processing 7 3 10
EPZ Developer 3 4 7
Other 4 4 8
TOTAL 53 58 111
Figure 12
Industry and Status
05
1015202530
35404550
Acq uacultu
re
Data-Processin
Manufacturing
Ag ro-P
rocessing
EPZ Developer
Other
Industry
NUmber of Co
mpanie
Active
Inactive
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
Of the total one hundred and eleven 111 designated companies fifty three (53)
are active and fifty eight (58) are inactive. (Table 10) Belizean designated
companies have the most number of active companies in the program, thirty
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(30), on the other hand, this group also accounts for forty eight (48) of the fifty
eight (58) inactive companies. (Table 12 and Figure 12) The Panamanian
designated company and the two (2) Canadian designated companies are all
inactive. (Table 13 and Figure 14) The only designated Korean company is
active. Of the three (3) designated Taiwanese companies only one is active.
(Table 12 and Figure 12) American investors account for seventeen (17)
active companies and 3 inactive companies. (Table 12 and Figure 13)
Table 12
Ownership and Status
Ownership StatusActive Inactive TOTAL
Belizean 30 48 78
Joint
Venture 4 1 5
American 17 3 20
Taiwanese 1 3 4
Korean 1 0 1
Canadian 0 2 2
Panamanian 0 1 1
TOTAL 53 58 111
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Figure 13
Ownership and Status
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Belizean
Joint Ventur
e
American
Taiwanese Korean
Canadian
Panamania
n
Ownership
Number of Companies
Active
Inactive
So
urce: Ministry of Finance (2004)
The Belize district has the most number of active companies in the program,
twenty five (25) of fifty three (53); conversely it also contained the majority of
inactive companies, forty eight (48) of fifty eight (58). (Table 13 and Figure 12)
In the two southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo all companies that had
been designated were operating. In Cayo, seven (7) of the designated
eleven (11) companies were operational. (Table 13 and Figure 12) Corozal,
along with Belize, is the only district that had more inactive companies than
active; four (4) companies were active and six (6) were inactive. (Table 13 and
Figure 14)
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Table 13
Location and Status
Status Location
Corozal
Orange
Walk Belize Cayo
Stann
Creek Toledo TOTAL
Active 4 0 25 7 14 3 53
Inactive 6 0 48 4 0 0 58
TOTAL 10 0 73 11 14 3 111
Figure 14
Location and Status
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Corozal Orange
Wlak
Belize Cayo Stann
Creek
Toledo
District
Number of Companie
Active
Inactive
So
urce: Ministry of Finance (2004)
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The data reflects a recent surge in the designation of Data-Processing
companies which has been nullified with the inactivity of these companies.
This surge is characterized by Belizean investors concentrated in the Belize
district. The surge in Data-Processing designations and inactivity is as a
result of the Data-Processing EPZ Developer building up its private sector led
development in Data-Processing. These inactive companies represent shell
companies which are held by the Developer and marketed to local and
international investors as part of their ground up, turnkey packages.
5.2.1.14 Summary of Analysis of EPZ Evolution
The data affirms that the EPZ program has evolved positively in relation to its
legislative aspects. The legislation was amended to expand from the static
zones that use solely imported materials to one that allows for designations to
resource specific areas like the shrimp farms in the emerging Aquaculture
industry, the citrus processing in the Agro-Processing industry and the use of a
rock quarry to produce stone tiles and slabs in Manufacturing. The legislation
also evolved to include the major stakeholders in the program in the
development of strategy and policy of the program by expanding the EPZC.
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In contrast, regional development for the least developed areas of the country
has not evolved.
This affirms the theory that EPZ programs should seek to foster economic
concentration around well developed urban centers so as to attract the best
layers of domestic capital, the most educated and productive labor, and
provide accessibility to urban infrastructure and amenities to investors. To
be an effective economic tool the scheme should not seek to achieve regional
development objectives. Instead for the program to be successful there must
be a centrality and economies of scale should obviously be balanced against
issues such as urban congestion, pollution, environmental degradation,
accessibility to labor, and quality of life for labor. (Baissac, 2003)
In terms of ownership, the program is diverse, though the diversity does not
represent a large number of companies. Belizean investors have played a
critical role in the program’s development. However it is necessary for the
further development of the program that the foreign investors increase, which
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will lead to an increase in foreign capital, transfer of technology, skill,
developmental and catalytical effects.
The presence of Data-Processing companies illustrates the technological
advancement of the program in terms of diversifying from the labor intensive
sectors to more capital and skill intensive sectors.
Question 2
5.3.1 What areas of the Belizean economy are impacted by
the EPZ program?
The program’s impact on the economy was analyzed by presenting economic
indicators of the program in terms of employment, investment, and trade.
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These economic indicators were compared to parallel economic indicators in
the economy. EPZ knowledge transfer will also be presented.
Before reviewing the impact of EPZ on the Belizean economy it is essential to
gain an over view of the country in relation to EPZ operations. This review will
be carried out on human development, poverty, GDP growth, and GDP factors.
5.3.2.1 Human Development
Belize ranked sixty seven (67), out of the 175 countries, on the UNDP’s 2003
Human Development Index which measures a country’s achievement in terms
of life expectancy, educational attainment and adjusted real income. Belize’s
position places it high in the Medium human development ranking. (Table 14)
Belize is geographically, historically, culturally, politically a part of both the
Caribbean and Central America as it is a member of the Caribbean’s
CARICOM and the Central American’s SICA.
Both regions’ ranking in the global human development report 2003 are
classified by having a few countries being ranked high and all the other
countries falling under medium ranking. (Table 15 and Table 16)) In terms of
the Caribbean Haiti falls under low human development. In both the
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Caribbean and Central American regions Belize falls in the middle of the
region specific ranking. (Table 15 and Table 16)
Table 14
Summary of Human Development Index 2003
World
Rank High HD (1-55)
1 Norway
2 Iceland
3 Sweden
4 Australia
5 Netherlands
Medium HD
(56-141)
67 Belize
84 Paraguay
85 Philippines
86 Maldives87 Turkmenistan
Low HD
(142-175)
171 Burundi
172 Mali
173 Burkina Faso
174 Niger
175 Sierra Leone
Source: UNDP (2004)
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Table 15
Caribbean’s in the Human Development Index 2003
Caribbean
Rank
World
Rank High HD
1 27 Barbados
2 49 Bahamas
3 51 St. Kitts & Nevis
4 52 Cuba
Medium HD
5 56 Antigua & Barbuda
6 67 Belize
7 68 Dominica
8 71 Saint Lucia
9 78 Jamaica
10 80
St Vincent &
Grenadines
11 93 Grenada
12 94 Dominican Republic
Low HD13 150 Haiti
Source: UNDP, 2004
Table 16
Central America in the Human Development Index 2003
Central
American
Rank
World
Rank High HD
1 42 Costa Rica
2 55 Mexico
Medium
HD
3 59 Panama
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4 67 Belize
5 105
El
Salvador
6 115 Honduras
7 119 Guatemala
8 121 Nicaragua
Low HD
Source: UNDP, 2003
5.3.2.2 Gross Domestic Product
5.3.2.2.1 Gross Domestic Product Annual Growth Rate
The industries that are represented by companies in the EPZ program
contribute greatly to Belize GDP growth rate.
Belize’s GDP growth rate has been cyclical. (Figure 15) The period from the
mid 1990s, commencement of EPZ operations to 2000 reflected a general
growth in GDP. 2001 and 2002 reflected a down turn which is attributed to a
general downturn in the global economy and naturally occurring cyclical
downturn and particularly to natural disasters (CARICOM, 2003). The
country’s economy, particularly the primary sector, was affected by hurricanes
Keith, October 2000, Chantal August 2001, and Iris October 2001 and the
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shrimp industry was affected by the Taura virus which led to less production
(CARICOM, 2003). In 2003 the cyclical growth which characterizes Belize’s
annual GDP growth rate commenced. The GDP growth for 2003, four point
nine (9) percent, was driven by increased activities in the tourism, banana and
shrimp industries (Fonseca, 2004). Fonseca elaborated that the Belizean
economy has averaged seven (7) percent GDP growth from 1998 to 2003,
which is the highest in the region.
Figure 15Gross Domestic Product Annual Growth Rate (1961 to 2003)
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
1961
1965
1969
1973
1977
1981
1985
1989
1993
1997
2001
Year
GDP GDP annual growth
rate
Source: Earth Trends, 2004
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5.3.2.2.2 Gross Domestic Product by Activity
Belize’s GDP is greatly influenced by the EPZ program. The EPZ program’s
Aquaculture industry has increased its percentage contribution to GDP through
Fishing, and the Manufacturing industry, stone tile and slab production, is
projected to increase the Belize’s GDP through Mining and Quarrying. The
decline in percentage contribution to GDP is a direct result of the decrease in
EPZ production of Manufacturing, garment production.
Belize’s GDP is characterized by percentage contribution as follows, the
Tertiary industries, the Secondary industries, and the Primary industries,
respectively. Since the commencement of EPZ operations, in reference to
industry percentage contributions to GDP, there has been a three point six (3.6)
increase in Tertiary industries, a two point one (2.1) decrease in Secondary
industries, and a zero point five (0.5) decrease in Primary industries. (Table
17)
Closer analysis of the relatively small decrease in the Primary industries’
percentage contribution to GDP reveals that Agriculture’s contribution has
been the only area of decrease, from twelve point four (12.4) in 1994 to nine
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point two (9.2) in 2003; Fishing has been the only area of increase its
contribution, from two point two (2.2) in 1994 to five (5.0) in 2003, and Mining
and Quarrying has remained constant at zero point five (0.5). (Table 16) The
EPZ program has contributed to this surge in Fishing through its Aquaculture
industry, which accounts for a majority of the Fishing industry with its farmed
shrimp produce. The EPZ program is also projected to increase the Mining
and Quarrying percentage contribution to GDP by increasing the utilization of
local raw materials as a result of the Korean company that has commenced
operations in the Manufacturing industry producing stone tiles and slabs by
quarry rocks in the Cayo district. (Table 1, Table 6 and Table 9)
The percentage contribution to GDP of Manufacturing of Textiles, Clothing and
Footwear has been cut in half from 1994 to 2003, one point two (1.2) to zero
point six (0.6). This decreased is a result of the scaling down of productions
of garments in the EPZ’s manufacturing sector, particularly the American
garment company in the EPZ Manufacturing industry. This reflects
restructuring of global production as a result of the global decline in the global
economy. As the productivity of Manufacturing, garment, decreases the
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productivity of the other sectors, Aquaculture, Agro-Processing,
Data-processing, and Other, have been increasing.
Table 17
Gross Domestic Product by Activity, current prices – contribution to
GDP in percent
Activity Year
1994 1997 2000 2003
Agriculture & Forestry 12.4 12.5 11.1 9.2
Fishing 2.2 2.4 3.7 5.0
Mining & quarrying 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Primary Industries 15.1 15.4 15.4 14.6
Manufacturing 9.7 9.6 9.6 8.2
Man. Food products 6.9 7.3 7.7 6.4
Man. of textiles 1.2 1.1 0.9 0.6
Man. Other 1.7 1.3 1.0 1.1Electricity & water 3.1 3.4 3.4 3.1
Construction 4.4 4.0 5.0 3.9
Secondary Industries 17.3 17.0 18.0 15.2
Wholesale & retail trade, repairs 15.5 15.3 16.3 16.0
Hotels and restaurants 3.3 3.1 3.5 4.0
Transport and communication 8.8 8.4 8.5 9.3
Financial Intermediation 3.1 4.5 6.5 6.5
Real estate, renting and business services 6.3 7.0 5.9 7.0
Community, social and personal services 7.0 6.8 6.1 6.1
General government service 11.4 10.5 9.9 10.3
Tertiary Industries 55.5 55.6 56.6 59.1
Less: Financial services indirectly
measured 1.3 2.1 2.5 2.7
All at industries at basic prices 86.5 85.9 87.5 86.2
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Taxes less subsidies on products 13.5 14.1 12.5 13.8
GDP at market prices 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: Central Statistical Office, Belize, 2004
5.3.2.3.1 Poverty
5.3.2.3.2 Poverty Gap by District
The EPZ program does not develop the least developed areas of Belize in
comparison with the more developed areas. The program maximizes the use
and efficiency of the areas with the best factors of production in Belize.
The poverty gap measures the aggregate disparity in the incomes of the poor
compared to the poverty line, which compares the monetary value of the
minimum food and non-food items that should be obtained by a household to
fulfill its basic needs (Kairi Consultants, 1996). The poverty gap represents
the amount needed to raise the income of all poor individuals to the level of the
poverty line as a portion of the poverty line (Kairi Consultants, 1996).
The country of Belize is distributed into six (6) districts, Corozal, Orange Walk,
Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo. These districts are merged into four
(4) regions, North, Corozal and Orange Walk districts, Central, Belize district,
West, Cayo district, and South, Stann Creek and Toledo. (Figure 8) Using
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the poverty gap as a measure of poverty in relation to districts Toledo (south)
has the highest gap, twenty one point eight (21.8), followed by Cayo (west),
twelve point two (12.2), ), Belize, six point seven (6.7), Orange Walk (North),
five point six (5.6), Corozal, five point five (5.5), and Stann Creek, four point
nine (4.9).
Mandani, 1999, argues that EPZ is not a policy instrument that ideally
promotes regional development of the least developed areas. He insists that
EPZ increase efficiencies in urban and developed areas with infrastructure,
utilities, workforce, ports and airports that are above average in a country. A
review of the total number of EPZ companies in operation by district and using
a high poverty gap to represent a need for development confirms Mandani’s
views. Toledo and Cayo have high poverty gaps, therefore being the poorest
districts, and have a low number of operating EPZ, three (3) and four (4), in
their area. (Table 13, Figure 14, and Table 18) Belize and Stann Creek
have low poverty gaps, therefore being the richest districts, and have a high
number of operating EPZ, twenty five (25) and seventeen (17), in their area.
(Table 13, Figure 14, and Table 18) The Belize district contains Belize City,
the country’s economic hub with the only international airport, a sea port, best
workforce, and best utilities in the country. Stann Creek contains many
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natural resources and infrastructure, fertile land, water supply, paved roads,
and a sea port. While Mandani’s EPZ location view does not hold for Orange
Walk and Corozal, relatively rich districts that are characterized by low levels
of EPZ in operation, as districts, it holds when they are merged to represent
the northern region. (Table 13, Figure 14, and Table 18) The northern region
has a high poverty gap, therefore being a poor region, and has a low number
of operating EPZ, four, (4), in its area. (Table 13, Figure 14, and Table
18)The number of operating companies in the northern region is skewed to
non operational as a result of no companies operating in the Orange Walk
district. (Table 13 and Figure 14)
As discussed in EPZ Location Evolution section, EPZ programs maximizes
efficiency by being located in the economic centers where the best factors of
production are located.
The female population is characterized with a high level of poverty than the
male population. (Table 18) The EPZ industries are generally geared toward
female employment; this female employment of EPZ may be contributing to
provide a stable labor force for female employees.
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Table 18
Main Poverty Indicators of Belize by District
Item Corozal Orange Belize Cayo Stann Toledo
All
Belize
Walk Creek
MAJOR INDICATORS
Poor Households 20.3 21.0 18.6 33.5 16.1 47.6 25.3
Poor Population 26.7 24.9 24.5 41.0 26.5 57.6 33.0
Indigent
Households 5.9 2.9 4.9 15.9 2.2 40.2 9.6
Indigent
Population 8.7 5.0 6.5 19.7 5.1 47.2 13.4
Youth Population 25.6 27.5 21.1 41.1 19.7 50.0 31.6
Elderly Population 19.4 44.0 19.7 30.6 14.3 45.5 27.6
Female
Population 27.3 25.6 25.4 39.8 28.9 56.3 33.1
Male Population 26.0 24.2 23.5 42.1 24.4 58.9 32.8
Male heads 17.6 17.0 12.4 36.3 13.2 50.7 23.6
Female Heads 36.4 38.5 29.5 25.0 29.4 30.8 30.5
Poverty Gap 5.5 5.6 6.7 12.2 4.9 21.8 8.7
Source: Kairi Consultants (1996)
5.3.2.4.1 Trade
5.3.2.4.2 Major Domestic Exports
Companies in the EPZ program contribute greatly to Belize’s Major Domestic
Exports. A review of the composition of the Major Domestic Exports of Belize
reveal that the EPZ program accounts for five (5) of the nine (9) headings.
These are Marine Products, Orange Concentrate, Grapefruit concentrate,
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Garments, and Papaya. EPZ contribution to Major Domestic Exports has
increased from one hundred and four point forty one (104.41) US$ million, fifty
five point six (55.6) percent in 2000 to one hundred and nine point twenty
seven (109.27)US$ million, fifty five point two (59.2) percent in 2002. The
increase in EPZ contribution reflects a decline in Orange Concentrate,
Grapefruit Concentrate, and Garments and an increase in Marine Products
(farmed shrimp) and Papaya.
In terms of Marine Exports, which accounted for the largest amount of Major
Domestic Exports in 2002 and 2003, by replacing Sugar and Citrus products
since 2002, EPZ have contributed greatly to diversifying exports away from the
agricultural products of colonialism. The other emerging EPZ export in the
Major Domestic Exports is Papaya, which is the only other sector, apart from
Marine Products, that have registered a growth from 2000 to 2003.
Table 19
Major Domestic Exports, US$ million: 2000 – 2003
2000 2001 2002 2003
*Marine Products
value 49.13 33.21 35.18 91.85
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Sugar
value 37.20 29.69 32.99 36.88
Molasses
value 0.14 0.83 1.34 1.24
Orange Concentrate
value 47.63 34.43 26.75 33.12
Grapefruit Concentrate
value 6.71 7.85 6.98 6.22
Bananas
value 32.41 21.40 16.75 26.29
Garments
value 19.79 15.51 15.22 15.70
Sawn Wood
value 2.32 1.35 1.30 1.78
Papaya
value 5.73 5.13 7.76 8.31
Sub-total 187.63 149.38 144.25 184.63
Other
Exports 22.77 13.35 14.09 7.69
Grand
Total 210.40 162.73 158.34 192.32Exclude Aquarium Fish
Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize, 2004
5.3.2.4.3 Marine Exports
White farm shrimp, which is comprised solely of EPZ companies, represented
twenty four point five seven (24.57) US$ million or sixty nine point 8 (69.8)
percent of the total Marine Exports in 2000. By 2003 this number had risen to
forty five point nine three (45.93) US$ million and eighty three point three
(83.30) percent of total Marine Exports. The EPZ program’s Aquaculture
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sector has contributed greatly to the increase in Belize’s Marine Exports, which
has been leading Belize’s GDP growth.
Table 20
Marine Exports, US$ million: 2000 – 2003
2000 2001 2002 2003
Whole fish
value 0.81 1.06 0.06 0.02
Lobster tail
value 7.59 6.10 6.46 6.76
Lobster meat
value 0.12 0.17 0.17 0.05
White farmed
shrimp
value 24.57 23.28 25.71 45.93
Pink sea shrimp
value 0.25 0.12 1.08 0.49Conch
value 1.79 2.49 1.72 1.87
Crab
value 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.02
Aquarium fish
value 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.05
Total 35.28 33.24 35.23 55.19
Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize, 2004
5.3.2.4.4 Imports by Origin
Belize’s origin of imports has historically been predominantly from the United
Kingdom and the US. Belize’s imports by origin reflect an increase in imports
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from its regional trade partners, Mexico, CARICOM and Central America.
This diversity in trading partners of imports is greatly enhanced by EPZ which
imported approximately ten (10) percent of the economy’s total import from
2000 to 2003.
Table 21
Imports by Origin, US$ million: 2000 – 2003
2000 2001 2002 2003
United States of
America 253.55 237.23 221.36 232.91
Mexico 44.06 43.36 41.07 43.61
United Kingdom 14.05 16.32 16.45 17.64
Other European Union 26.15 20.19 26.20 29.13
Central America 47.01 60.70 87.13 92.41
CARICOM 14.70 21.88 16.08 15.62
Canada 8.06 6.74 8.58 6.93
Other 116.72 110.42 107.63 113.81
Total 524.30 516.84 524.50 552.06
Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize, 2004-07-26
5.3.3.1.1 Employment
5.3.3.1.2 EPZ Annual Employment
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The EPZ program has employed an average of approximately two thousand
one hundred and eighty seven (2,187) people from 1998 to 2003. (Table 22
and Figure 16) From 2000 to 2003 the program’s annual employment is
higher at two thousand four hundred and four (2,404), of which an average of
two thousand two hundred and seventy four (2,274) local employees were
hired and an average of one hundred and thirty (130) foreign workers were
employed. (Table 22 and Figure 16) The total annual employment fluctuates,
though there is a general trend of higher employment exceeding two thousand
(2,000) employees for the period 2000 to 2003. The number of foreign
employees declined from 2000 with a number of one hundred and sixty one
(161) to 2002 with a number of eighty nine (89). (Table 22 and Figure 16)
The number of foreign employees increased in 2003 to one hundred and thirty
four (134), which is below the numbers of 2001 and 2000. (Table 22 and
Figure 16) The increase in employment has been accompanied by decrease
in foreign employment. (Table 22 and Figure 16)
Table 22
EPZ Annual Employment of Belizeans and Foreigners (1998 – 2003)
Year Employment
Belizeans Foreigners TOTAL
1998 NA NA 1,541
1999 NA NA 1,967
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2000 2,325 161 2,486
2001 2,033 136 2,169
2002 2,595 89 2,684
2003 2,140 134 2,274
TOTAL 13,121
Figure 16
EPZ Annual Employment of Belizeans and Foreigners (1998 – 2003)
EPZ Annual Employment Belizeans andForeigners
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Year
Employment Number
Belizeans
Foreigners
TOTAL
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
5.3.3.1.3 EPZ Annual Employment and Belize’s Annual
Employed Labor Force (1998-2003)
From 1998 to 2002 the program has employed and average of two point eight
(2.8) percent of the Belizean employed labor force. (Table 23 and Figure 17)
Both the Belizean employed labor force and the EPZ labor force have had an
increase in employment. (Table 15 and Figure 14)
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Table 23
EPZ Annual Employment and Belize’s Annual Employed Labor Force
(1998-2003)
Year
Belize
Total
Employed
Labor
Force
EPZ Total
Employment
EPZ % of
Total
1998 70,680 1,541 2.2
1999 73,345 1,967 2.7
2000 77,755 2,486 3.2
2001 85,869 2,169 2.5
2002 84,720 2,684 3.2
2003 NA 2,274 NA
Figure 17
EPZ Annual Employment and Belize’s Annual Employed Labor Force
(1998-2003)
EPZ and Belize Annual Employment
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Year
Employment Number
EPZ Employment
Belize Employed LabourForce
Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize (2004)
Ministry of Finance (2004)
5.3.3.1.4 Belize’s Annual Employed Labor Force and Sex
(1998-2002)
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Both the female and male employed labor force has been increasing from
1998 to 2002. (Table 24 and Figure 18) However, the Belizean employed
labor force reflects a male domination which annual accounts for
approximately twice that of the female workforce. (Table 16 and Figure 15)
Table 24
Belize’s Annual Employed Labor Force and Sex (1998-2002)
Belize Employed
Labor Force by
Sex
Year Male Female
1998 49,265 21,415
1999 50,090 23,255
2000 53,680 24,075
2001 58,546 27,323
2002 58,582 26,1382003 NA NA
Figure 18
Belize’s Annual Employed Labor Force and Sex (1998-2002)
Belize Employed Labour Force by Sex
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Year
Employment Numbe
Male
Female
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Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize (2004)
5.3.3.1.5 Location and Belize’s Employed Labor Force
(1998-2002)
Belize’s employed labor force from 1998 to 2002 was concentrated in the
Belize district followed by Cayo, Orange Walk, Corozal, Stann Creek and
Toledo. (Table 25 and Figure 19)
Table 25Location and Belize’s Employed Labor Force (1998-2002)
Belize Employed Labor Force by District
Year Corozal Orange Walk Belize Cayo Stann Creek Toledo TOTAL
1998 10,005 10,595 23,405 13,320 7,580 5,775 70,680
1999 10,125 12,030 23,490 13,460 7,730 6,510 73,345
2000 10,700 12,415 24,505 13,485 9,860 6,790 77,755
2001 11,013 12,509 30,042 15,941 8,684 7,680 85,869
2002 10,166 13,955 29,466 17,171 7,994 5,968 84,720
2003 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Figure 19
Location and Belize’s Employed Labor Force (1998-2002)
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Belize employed Labour Force by District
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
2500030000
35000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year
Employment Number Year
Corozal
Orange Walk
Belize
Cayo
Stann Creek
Toledo
Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize (2004)
Table 26
Employment of EPZ in 6 Countries
Year Country Employment
% of total
workforce
1993 Ireland 4,268 0.3
1985 Taiwan 76,924 11982 Malaysia 70,885 1.6
1982 Philippines 25,610 0.1
1981 SriLanka 17,813 0.3
2003 Belize 2,684 3.2
Source: Shoesmith p. 68, 1986
The global comparison of employment of EPZ reflects that Belize’s program
employment, as a percentage of the total workforce, is relatively higher than
the other countries. (Table 26)
5.3.3.1.6 Analysis of Employment
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While the total annual employment figures of the program represent a small
part of the economy’s employed labor force, the program does provide a
constant level of annual employment on which other areas of the economy can
build on. The program is characterized by a high number of operational
companies in industries that employ a large number of females, Aquaculture,
Agro-Processing, and Data-Processing. These companies may be playing a
greater role in the economy’s employment by employing female workers .Also
the annual two point eight (2.8) percent of the economy’s employment that the
program has accounted for from 1998 to 2002 is an understatement if the
employment figure is reviewed in reference to the areas where EPZ are
located. No EPZ are in Orange Walk, therefore if the program’s employment
is looked at as a percentage of the five of six districts in which it operates the
significance will increase. The low level of employment experienced by the
southern district of Toledo and its inexistence in Orange Walk reflects again
that the program should not seek to attain regional development objectives,
but should rather seek to effectively and efficiently utilize developed centers of
the country to attain their industrial potential. In relation to the global
employment comparison, the EPZ program in Belize is relatively new.
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Therefore the employment would be relatively higher. The EPZ program
does not play significant roles in economic development as time progress.
5.3.3.2.1 Investment
5.3.3.2.2 EPZ Investment (1998-2003)
The programs annual investment experienced a surge from 1998 to 1999,
which was followed by a large drop in 2000. (Table 27 and Figure 20) From
2000 to 2002 the total investment has been steadily increasing, which was
brought to a pause in 2002 with the program experiencing an investment level
as low as 1998. (Table 27 and Figure 20)
Table 27
EPZ Investment (1998-2003)
Total
Investment
Year
Investment
(US$)
1998 30,034,639
1999 615,129,614
2000 95,725,576
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2001 153,527,590
2002 225,716,508
2003 30,699,159
TOTAL 1,150,833,086
Figure 20
EPZ Investment (1998-2003)
EPZ Annual Investment
0
100,000,000
200,000,000
300,000,000
400,000,000
500,000,000
600,000,000
700,000,000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003Year
Total Investmen
Investment (US$)
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
The comparison of EPZ investments and the National Account investments
reveals that the EPZ program’s investment is significant in the Belizean
economy. (Table 28 and Figure 21)
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Table 28
EPZ and National Accounts Investment as a Percentage of GDP, Local
Currency constant Prices
Year EPZ
Gross
Domestic
Private Public
Gross
Domestic
1998 4 NA NA NA
1999 83 17 15 32
2000 12 18 16 34
2001 18 19 16 35
2002 24 21 12 32
2003 3 NA NA NA
Figure 21
EPZ and National Accounts Investment as a Percentage of GDP, Local
Currency constant Prices
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Year
% of GD
EPZ
Gross Domestic Private
Public
Gross Domestic
Source: Central Bank of Belize (2004)
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5.3.3.2.3 Analysis of EPZ Investment
The program’s annual investment numbers fluctuate significantly. As a
percent of GDP, the data reflects that EPZ investment is significant. The
fluctuation reflects the potential of the program’s investment as well as its
instability.
5.3.3.3.1 Foreign Exchange Earnings
5.3.3.3.2 EPZ Foreign Exchange Earnings (1998-2003)
EPZ are intended to boost trade. Rising exports by themselves do not,
however, represent economic progress if import bills rise at a corresponding
rate (Shoesmith, 1986). The program’s annual foreign exchange earnings
reflect fluctuations. (Table 29 and Figure 22) The highest annual foreign
exchange earnings were experienced in the early years of the program, 1998.
(Table 29 and Figure 22) The trade balance was a deficit in two (2) of the last
four years. However over the entire period the cumulative trade balances was
a surplus.
Table 29
EPZ Balance of Trade (2000-2003)
Year
EPZ
Imports
EPZ
Exports
EPZ
Trade
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Balance
2000 50.28 88.8 38.52
2001 43.51 25.02 -18.49
2002 40.01 73.37 33.36
2003 65.27 58.16 -7.11
2000 -
2003 199.07 245.35 46.28
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
Figure 22
EPZ Balance of Trade (2000-2003)
EPZ Trade Balance 2000-2003
-50
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
2000 2001 2002 2003 2000 -
2003
Year
US$ millio EPZ Imports
EPZ Exports
EPZ Trade Balance
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
The EPZ program imports as a percentage of the economy’s entire imports is
relatively lower than its export as a percentage of the economy’s export. (Table
30 and Figure 23)
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Table 30
EPZ Imports and Belize Gross Imports (2000 – 2003)
Year
EPZ
Imports
Belize
Imports % EPZ
2000 50.28 524.29 10
2001 43.51 516.83 9
2002 40.01 524.52 8
2003 65.27 551.67 12
2000 -
2003 199.07 2117.31 10
Figure 23
EPZ Imports and Belize Gross Imports (2000 – 2003)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
2000 2001 2002 2003 2000 -
2003
Year
US $millio
EPZ Imports
Belize Imports
Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize (2004)
Ministry of Finance (2004)
Table 31
EPZ Exports and Belize Domestic Exports (2000 – 2003)
Year EPZ Belize % EPZ
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Exports Exports
2000 88.8 210.39 42
2001 25.02 162.73 15
2002 73.37 158.34 46
2003 58.16 192.32 30
2000 -
2003 245.35 723.78 34
Figure 24
EPZ Exports and Belize Domestic Exports (2000 – 2003)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
2000 2001 2002 2003 2000 -
2003
Year
US $millio
EPZ Exports
Belize Exports
Source: Central Statistical Office of Belize (2004)
Ministry of Finance (2004)
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5.3.3.3.3 Analysis of EPZ Impact on Belize’s Economy
EPZ’s employment has been constant and in comparison with countries that
have had EPZ programs for many years, the annual employment figures as a
percentage of GDP is relatively high. The Belizean workforce is
characterized by a male dominance; therefore the many EPZ companies that
employ women may be playing a greater role in the economy by employing
women.
In relation to the national indicators of Gross Private Investment and Gross
Investment EPZ investment is significant.
The data describes that the economy’s exports is highly depended on the EPZ
program’s exports.
5.3.3.4.1 Technology Transfer
5.3.3.4.2 Human Resource Development (Education and
Training)
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Some enterprise training takes place in EPZ. Training for factory operators is
mainly on the job. The training is mostly task-specific and geared to
enhancing productivity and efficiency in the firms operation. In some cases,
workers in EPZ receive more substantial training but this is typically restricted
to the higher end of skills (Kusago and Tzannatos, 1998)
Table 32Training for Employees in EPZ
Industry Training Provided
Aquaculture Health and safety issues; Computer certification;
Technical training on farm; Pond management; Overseas
training on mariculture techniques.
Agro-Processing Occupational safety and health; Dehydration technology;
Laboratory analysis; Product quality testing; Pulp recovery
and oil extraction; Electrical hazards and machinesguarding; Evaporator installation and dismantling; Lab
testing procedures; Undergraduate degree in Business;
Graduate degree in Business Administration; Good
manufacturing practices.
Manufacturing On the job machinery usage; Lathe operator; Operation of
equipment; Engineering.
Other Cashier; Security; Slot attendants, Dealers
Data Processing On the job data processing
Source: Ministry of Finance (2004)
5.3.3.4.3 Analysis of Human Resource Development
Workers in the zone are exposed to new technology, entrepreneurial and
organizational skills that are transferred to the economy, hence the worker
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may be indirectly contributing to the adoption sector (Sinclair, 2001). The
EPZ acts like an institution of learning. Working in a diverse workforce
comprised of foreign and local managers is helpful. The employees share
cultures, and utilize the positives from each other and blend their knowledge to
make an effective, productive, enjoyable environment.
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Question 3
5.3.3.5.1 What factors within the EPZ program influences its
contribution to the Belizean Economy?
5.3.3.5.2 EPZ 2003 Performance
In addressing this question figures in relation to the Dependent variables of
employment, sales, value of raw material used and investment for 2003 will be
analyzed by reviewing the regression analysis of a sample of the operational
EPZ companies to identify the relative importance of the Independent
variables of industries, ownership, EPZ type, EPZ location and year of EPZ
designation. The regression identifies how the Independent variables
fluctuate around the dependent variables. By identifying the factors that
contribute significantly to the EPZ program, the factors in the EPZ program
that significantly contribute to the Belize economy are also identified.
The significance of the Independent variables was identified in the variables
that have a t-ratio greater than 1.96. This indicated that the variable is
statistically significant at a five (5) % level.
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Table 33
Employment Regression Results
Independent
Variables Dependent Variables
Local Employment
Foreign
Employment
Constant/Intercept Coefficient t ratio Coefficient t ratio
Industry
Agro-Processing/
Constant 74.25 1.64 1.75 0.59Aquaculture -47.25 -0.81 1.92 0.50
Manufacturing 72.50 1.13 3.00 0.72
Ownership Belizean/ 55.67 1.28 4.17 1.79
North American 43.53 0.67 -2.77 -0.80
Joint Venture -46.67 -0.41 -4.17 -0.68
Asian 47.83 0.55 3.83 0.82
Type
Special EPZ/
Constant 72.00 2.56 3.46 2.15
EPZ Business 38.00 0.36 -0.46 -0.08
Location
Belize/
Constant 152.67 2.55 0.67 0.19
Corozal -42.67 -0.36 2.33 0.34
Cayo -95.17 -1.00 7.33 1.34
Stann Creek -103.67 -1.45 3.19 0.77
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Toledo -132.67 -1.11 -0.67 -0.10
Year of
Designation 2000/Constant 76.40 3.54 6.80 2.32
1998 -38.07 -1.08 -3.80 -0.79
1999 69.60 1.32 -6.80 -0.95
1995 285.60 5.40 -6.80 -0.95
2001 -61.90 -1.53 -5.30 -0.97
2002 -67.40 -1.27 -4.80 -0.67
2003 -73.40 -1.39 -6.80 -0.95
5.3.3.5.3.1 Employment
5.3.3.5.3.2 Local Employment
Special EPZ, Belize district and companies designated in 1995 and 2000 were
statistically significant in relation to local employment. (Table 33)
5.3.3.5.3.3 Foreign Employment
Special EPZ and companies designated in 2000 were statistically significant in
relation to foreign employment. (Table 33)
Table 34
Sales Regression Results
Independent
Variable Dependent Variables
Local Sales Foreign Sales
Constant/Intercept Coefficient t ratio Coefficient t ratio
Industry Agro-Processing/Constant 1339339.75 3.28 6556581.25 2.48
Aquaculture -1338687.25 -2.54 -5256894.08 -1.54
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Manufacturing -1226406.75 -2.12 -2537530.50 -0.68
Ownership Belizean/ 892893.17 2.22 4886825.83 2.05
North American -892787.17 -1.50 -1189383.43 -0.34
Joint Venture -889508.17 -0.84 -4751383.83 -0.75
Asian -667027.17 -0.83 -3808304.83 -0.80
Type Special EPZ/Constant 447154.31 1.62 3687969.92 2.38
EPZ Business -447154.31 -0.43 -1530927.92 -0.26
Location Belize/Constant 1128.33 0.00 5500357.67 1.57
Corozal -1128.33 0.00 -3343315.67 -0.48
Cayo 224737.67 0.23 -5437895.67 -0.98
Stann Creek 764284.38 1.03 -1270734.67 -0.30
Toledo -1128.33 0.00 -3790106.67 -0.54
Year of
Designation 2000/Constant 618332.00 1.60 3622830.80 1.97
1998 -618332.00 -0.98 -2190615.80 -0.73
1999 2102234.00 2.22 9580824.20 2.12
1995 -618332.00 -0.65 10171406.20 2.252001 -618332.00 -0.85 -3438053.80 -1.00
2002 -617802.00 -0.65 -3336424.80 -0.74
2003 -618082.00 -0.65 -3586830.80 -0.79
5.3.3.5.4.1 Sales
5.3.3.5.4.2 Local Sales
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The Agro-processing industry, Belizean Investors and companies designated
in 1999 were statistically significant in relation to local sales. (Table 34)
5.3.3.5.4.3 Foreign Exchange Earnings
The Agro-processing industry, Belizean investors, Special EPZ and
companies designated in 1995, 1999 and 2000 were statistically significant in
relation to Foreign exchange earnings. (Table 34)
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Table 35
Investment Regression Results
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2003 Investment
Independent
Variable Constant/Intercept Dependent Variables
2003 Investment Total Investment
Coefficient t ratio Coefficient t ratio
Industry Agro-Processing/Constant 341840.00 0.22 1354340.00 0.58
Aquaculture 142540.33 0.07 714122.67 0.24
Manufacturing 5239250.00 2.39 13446120.00 4.09
Ownership Belizean/ 343730.17 0.24 1636226.67 0.99
North American 1953716.83 0.93 3327320.33 1.35
Joint Venture -295344.17 -0.08 -241345.67 -0.06
Asian 6156269.83 2.17 18863773.33 5.69
Type Special EPZ/Constant 1969077.08 1.83 4386921.23 2.46
EPZ Business -969077.08 -0.24 15613078.77 2.34
Location Belize/Constant 134913.67 0.31 1550412.00 1.89
Corozal 865086.33 0.99 18449588.00 11.27
Cayo 10387586.33 15.06 16960828.00 13.11
Stann Creek 190555.05 0.37 29053.71 0.03
Toledo 1735066.33 1.99 2749588.00 1.68
Year of
Designation 2000/Constant 2716922.40 1.32 9446221.40 2.44
1998 -2064597.40 -0.61 -7100556.40 -1.12
1999 -1645788.40 -0.33 -7475087.40 -0.79
1995 -2437562.40 -0.48 -7266861.40 -0.77
2001 1978088.10 0.51 -809981.40 -0.11
2002 -2501022.40 -0.50 -8207321.40 -0.872003 -2616922.40 -0.52 -9346221.40 -0.99
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5.3.3.5.5.1 Investment
5.3.3.5.5.2 2003 Investment
The Manufacturing industry, Asian investors, Cayo and Toledo districts were
statistically significant in relation to 2003 Investment. (Table 35)
5.3.3.5.5.3 Total investment
Manufacturing, Asian investors, Special EPZ, EPZ Businesses, Corozal, Cayo
and companies designated in 2000 are statistically significant in relation to
total investment. (Table 35)
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Table 36
Raw Material Usage Regression Results
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Independent
Variable Constant/Intercept Dependent Variables
Local Raw Material
Usage
Imported Raw
Material Usage
Coefficient
t
ratio Coefficient t ratio
Industry Agro-Processing/Constant 2454082.75 2.03 2183496.75 1.81
Aquaculture -1724384.08 -1.11 -2042270.25 -1.31
Manufacturing -2339647.00 -1.37 -660645.25 -0.39
Ownership Belizean/ 2120555.17 2.06 1461759.83 1.33
North American -1823726.37 -1.19 -291017.03 -0.18
Joint Venture -2050764.17 -0.75 -1392068.83 -0.48
Asian -1933055.17 -0.94 -972365.83 -0.44
Type Special EPZ/Constant 1127097.38 1.63 1143766.46 1.65
EPZ Business -1127097.38 -0.43 -339978.46 -0.13
Location Belize/Constant 57696.67 0.04 1821608.67 1.13
Corozal -57696.67 -0.02 -1017820.67 -0.31
Cayo 171174.83 0.07 -1728873.17 -0.68
Stann Creek 1781785.05 0.95 -552687.52 -0.29
Toledo 1087364.33 0.35 -1485389.67 -0.46
Year of
Designation 2000/Constant 2433195.20 1.85 330614.80 2.60
1998 -2005408.53 -0.93 -120879.13 -0.58
1999 -1743049.20 -0.54 7748777.20 24.84
1995 -2433195.20 -0.75 4771532.20 15.29
2001 -2263323.70 -0.92 -307093.30 -1.29
2002 -2280154.20 -0.71 -218725.80 -0.70
2003 -2413195.20 -0.75 -280614 -0.90
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5.3.3.5.6.1 Raw Material Usage
5.3.3.5.6.2 Local Raw Material Usage
In terms of local raw material the Agro-Processing industry and Belizean
investors are significant. (Table 36)
5.3.3.5.6.3 Imported Raw Material Usage
Companies designated in 1999, 1995 and 2000 were statistically significant in
relation to imported raw material usage. (Table 36)
5.3.3.5.7.1 Independent Variables
5.3.3.5.7.2 Industry
In terms of industry, the Agro-Processing was statistically significant at a 5%
level with Agro-processing being the constant in the utilization of local raw
material, local sales and foreign exchange earnings in 2003. Manufacturing
was statistically significant at a 5% level with Agro-processing being the
constant in the programs total investment and 2003 investment. No industry
was statistically significant in reference to employment and imported raw
material usage in 2003.
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5.3.3.5.7.3 Ownership
The Belizean companies were statistically significant at a 5% level with
Belizean companies being the constant in the amount of local sales, foreign
exchange earnings, and the usage of local raw materials in 2003. Asian
investors were statistically significant a 5% level with Belizean companies
being the constant in total investment and 2003 investment. No ownership
was statistically significant in reference to imported raw material usage and
employment in 2003.
5.3.3.5.7.4 EPZ Type
The EPZ Businesses were significant at a 5% level with Special EPZ being the
constant in total investment. Special EPZ were significant at a 5% level with
Special EPZ being the constant in local and foreign employment, and foreign
exchange earnings in 2003. No types of EPZ were significant in reference to
local sales, local and imported raw material usage, and 2003 investment.
5.3.3.5.7.5 EPZ Location
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Belize district was significant at a 5% level with Belize being the constant in
local employment for 2003. Cayo district was significant at a 5% level with
Belize being the constant in 2003 investment and total investment. Toledo
district was significant at a 5% level with Belize being the constant in 2003
investment. Cayo district was significant at a 5% level with Belize being the
constant in total investment. No location was significant in reference to raw
material usage, foreign employment and sales in 2003.
5.3.3.5.7.5 Year of EPZ Designation
The companies designated in 1995 were significant at a 5% level with 2000 as
the constant in local employment, foreign exchange earnings, and imported
raw material usage in 2003. The companies designated in 1999 were
significant at a 5% level with 2000 as the constant in local sales, foreign
exchange earnings, and imported raw material usage in 2003. The
companies designated in 2000 were significant at a 5% level with 2000 as the
constant in local and foreign employment, foreign exchange earnings, and
imported raw material usage and total investment in 2003. There was no
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annual designation significance in local raw material usage and 2003
investment.
5.3.3.5.8.1 Analysis of Regression Analysis
Table 37
Summary of Regression Analysis for EPZ 2003 Performance Data
(Employment and Sales)
Independent
Variables Dependent Variables
Local
Employment
Foreign
Employment Local Sales
Foreign
Exchange
Earnings
Industry Non Non Agro-Processing Agro-Processing
Ownership Non Non Belizean Belizean
Type Special EPZ Special EPZ Special EPZ
Location Belize Non Non NonYear of
Designation 1995, 2000 2000 1999 1995, 1999, 2000
Table 38
Summary of Regression Analysis for EPZ 2003 Performance Data (Raw
Material Usage and Investment)
Independent
Variables Dependent Variables
Local Raw Material
Usage
Imported Raw
Material Usage 2003 Investment
Total
Investment
Industry Agro-Processing Non Manufacturing Manufacturing
Ownership Belizean Non Asian Asian
Type Non Non Non Special EPZ,
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EPZ Business
Location Non Non Cayo, Toledo Corozal, Cayo
Year of
Designation Non 1999, 1995, 2000 Non 2000
5.3.3.5.8.2 Industry
In terms of industry, the Agro-Processing was statistically significant at a 5%
level with Agro-processing being the constant in the utilization of local raw
material, local sales and foreign exchange earnings in 2003. Manufacturing
was statistically significant at a 5% level with Agro-processing being the
constant in the programs total investment and 2003 investment. No industry
was statistically significant in reference to employment and imported raw
material usage in 2003.
Agro-Processing was important in terms of sale, both local and foreign and
local usage of raw materials. Manufacturing was important in terms of
investment, both 2003 investment and total investment.
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5.3.3.5.8.3 Ownership
The Belizean companies were statistically significant at a 5% level with
Belizean companies being the constant in the amount of local sales, foreign
exchange earnings, and the usage of local raw materials in 2003. Asian
investors were statistically significant a 5% level with Belizean companies
being the constant in total investment and 2003 investment. No ownership
was statistically significant in reference to imported raw material usage and
employment in 2003.
Belizean Investors were important in terms of sale, both local and foreign and
local usage of raw materials. Asian investors were important in terms of
investment, both 2003 investment and total investment
5.3.3.5.8.4 EPZ Type
The EPZ Businesses were significant at a 5% level with Special EPZ being the
constant in total investment. Special EPZ were significant at a 5% level with
Special EPZ being the constant in local and foreign employment, and foreign
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exchange earnings in 2003. No types of EPZ were significant in reference to
local sales, local and imported raw material usage, and 2003 investment.
Special EPZ were important in terms of employment, both local and foreign,
foreign exchange earnings, and total investment. EPZ Businesses were also
important in terms of total investment.
5.3.3.5.8.5 EPZ Location
Belize district was significant at a 5% level with Belize being the constant in
local employment for 2003. Cayo district was significant at a 5% level with
Belize being the constant in 2003 investment and total investment. Toledo
district was significant at a 5% level with Belize being the constant in 2003
investment. Cayo district was significant at a 5% level with Belize being the
constant in total investment. No location was significant in reference to raw
material usage, foreign employment and sales in 2003.
Belize district was important in terms of local employment. Cayo district was
important in terms of 2003 investment and total investment. Toledo district
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was important in terms of 2003 investment. Corozal district was important in
terms of total investment.
5.3.3.5.8.6 Year of EPZ Designation
The companies designated in 1995 were significant at a 5% level with 2000 as
the constant in local employment, foreign exchange earnings, and imported
raw material usage in 2003. The companies designated in 1999 were
significant at a 5% level with 2000 as the constant in local sales, foreign
exchange earnings, and imported raw material usage in 2003. The
companies designated in 2000 were significant at a 5% level with 2000 as the
constant in local and foreign employment, foreign exchange earnings, and
imported raw material usage and total investment in 2003. There was no
annual designation significance in local raw material usage and 2003
investment.
Companies designated in 1995 were important in terms of local employment,
foreign exchange earnings and imported raw material usage. Companies
designated in 1999 were important in terms of local sales, foreign sales, and
imported raw material usage. Companies designated in 2000 were more
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important in local employment, foreign employment, foreign exchange
earnings, imported raw material usage and total investment.