The rehabilitation of the Corozal Free Zone (CFZ) access road is closer and closer as the contract to get the work going was signed today at a brief ceremony at the CFZ conference facilities.

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai was keynote speaker and praised the work done to get the project going. Minister of Defence and Border Security Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. was also present and spoke of the benefits the infrastructure would bring to the more than 1,500 workers of the CFZ.

CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development Osmond Martinez described the process leading to the actualization of the project, which is being funded by a grant from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, CABEI, at some 2 million dollars.

CEO of the CFZ Neri Ramirez spoke of upcoming projects for the CFZ, including connection to the BWS grid to bring quality potable water to the CFZ.

The Corozal Free Zone sees over 1.1 million visitors per year and contributes some 13% to the nation’s GDP. More than 300 businesses are registered to do business with 1,500 persons employed.

Work begins in the first week of December by RJB Construction Company Ltd, which was awarded the contract in an open tender process approved by the contractor general.