Will Sanctions on Russian Imports Affect Belize’s Trade?

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has dragged on for over a decade, and now, foreign allies are taking a stand. To curb Russia’s relentless invasion, the United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on trade linked to Russia’s supply chain. These sanctions, which started in October, have been expanded as recently as this month. Among those affected is Berezia Management, a Belizean-based company reportedly tied to Perspective Technologies Agency (UPT), a Russian firm specializing in communication networks and submarine cables. We spoke with Doctor Osmond Martinez, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, to see if he expects these sanctions to impact Belize’s foreign trade. Here’s what he had to say.

 

Britney Gordon

“Amid escalating international pressure on Russia over the, it’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States and the United Kingdom have announced new sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s military supply chain among these sanctioned entities. Bereza management, a Belize based company is accused of facilitating operations linked to Russia’s defense industry. Do we anticipate that these sanctions will affect Belize’s trading ability?”

 

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minster of State, Ministry of Foreign Trade

“I’m not familiar with that information. I don’t have the details, but I think this is a question that can be asked to, um, to be placed to the minister responsible for foreign [affairs]. But based on your question, I don’t think it will affect Belize.”