DFC Partners with Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm to Revitalize Belize’s Shrimp Industry

The Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has partnered with Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm Ltd in hopes of reviving Belize’s shrimp industry. Yesterday, the DFC signed off on a loan offer for the company in the Stann Creek District. According to the government, the partnership not only aligns with DFC’s objectives, but also diversifies their portfolio, and positions the Corporation as a key part in the contribution to the sustainable growth of Belize’s aquaculture sector. DFC’s General Manager Henry Anderson spoke to the Government Press Office about the venture yesterday. 

Henry Anderson, General Manager, DFC:“This is a multi-year effort, but to conclude what you saw here at the last point, we started this piece of it, I guess, on the second day of January. We started a discussion with Judy and Ernesto and the entire team. I think Belis, you were on holiday and then you came back, and it has all facets and what is proud about this investment for us when you look at and maybe Alvin you can speak about what you have on the ground in terms of a shrimp farm that actually is certified and has all everything you pump out goes right back into the farm. So the environmental footprint it’s near zero. And it has gone through our environmental and social management system, which is a big aspect of what we push. So we look forward. This is just a signing. The hard work comes now. And to make sure that everybody understands that this is innovation. This comes out of the DFC’s new investment policy that we adopted or the board adopted as part of moving towards green climate accreditation. We have to make it work, right? Because if it doesn’t work, then they will say, hey, so I know it will work, but we are excited and we will collaborate with you and Norman and the team.”

Anderson added that the loan offer emphasizes the DFC’s commitment to expanding and enforcing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.