PM Briceno visits Belize pavilion at Expo Osaka
By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 4, 2025
“One Belize, One Purpose: Ecosystem for Life” was Belize’s theme for its National Day celebration, showcasing our vibrant heritage, development vision, and meaningful international partnerships at Expo Osaka 2025 on Sunday, August 3. Belizeans everywhere were able to share in the experience, as the ceremony was streamed live on the Government of Belize’s Facebook page.
Prime Minister Briceño led the cultural and diplomatic delegation at the Expo, where he delivered the keynote address at the National Day program, after a flag-raising ceremony. The cultural performances of Garifuna drumming and Maya dances highlighted our country’s diverse ethnic tapestry, including Mestizo and Kriol traditions. BELTRAIDE and Belize Tourism Board (BTB) representatives also made presentations on Belize’s trade, tourism, and the rich potential for investment in Belize’s sustainable development.
“Belize is honored to stand among the nations of the world at Expo 2025 Osaka,” Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño remarked. “This is more than a celebration of our identity; it is a declaration of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and meaningful global collaboration,” he said.
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“I am filled with pride to see what we, as a small country, produce. Our people are here representing us well on the world stage, and the reception has been overwhelming,” Prime Minister Briceño exclaimed, as he toured the Belize and Japan pavilions.
“Designing Future Society for Our Lives” is the core theme of Expo Osaka, and Belize’s holistic approach to preserve our cultural heritage and the environment in balance with economic growth, aligns well with the theme.
Over 850,000 visitors have visited the Belize Pavilion, where the Belize Trade and Investment Service (BELTRAIDE) has partnered with the BTB and the Blue Bond Unit, and more visitors will be able to see the exhibits, which will remain open until October 15, 2025. The interactive displays showcase Belize’s investment opportunities, Blue Economy innovations, sustainable tourism, and a variety of products: hot sauces, chocolate, jewelry, handicrafts, and more, all “Made in Belize”.
The Belize delegation included Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Anthony Mahler; Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Devin Daly; and Chief Executive Officers: Nicole Usher of the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations; Beverly Wade of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation; and Narda Garcia of the Ministry of Finance, Investment, and Civil Aviation; as well as executive director of BELTRAIDE, Ishmael Quiros, and Yasser Musa from the National Institute of Culture and History.
