Government policy is to reserve tourism development which is less capital intensive for Belizeans, but it welcomes foreign investor interest in larger projects. Belize's well-established policy of encouraging new foreign investment has been an important factor in attracting capital. Promising opportunities for growth and investment include citrus, bananas, beef, aquaculture, tropical fruits, forest, tourism, forest products, and apparel. It includes technical assistance and training in these areas to help the Government of Belize manage agriculture and tourism growth in a rational and ecologically sound manner. Infrastructure Economic growth in Belize is constrained by a lack of infrastructure.
Electric service is expensive and unavailable in some rural areas.
No roads exist to large tracts of potentially arable land and timber. Some roads, including sections of major highways, are subject to damage or closure during the rainy season. Inadequate roads and ports limit external marketing, although expansion of port handling facilities has been undertaken in Belize City, and a new deep-water port has been completed in Big Creek to complement facilities in Belize City and Commerce Bight. Barges and lighters are used for sugar, bananas, and other shipments. Much of the government's operating expenses are derived from customs duties and taxes, but most of the capital expenses are met through foreign assistance.