Belize, a country on the north - eastern coast of Central America with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and a dense jungle to the west is moving ahead with Mexico talks to begin studies to expand the Maya Train into its territory.
Mexico has expressed interest in having the tracks into Belize since before the start of the project and a Mexico Tren Maya team is heading to Belize to start expansion feasibility study.
In May, Belize Prime Minister John Briceño and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has a phone conversation with both sides discussing expanding market access for Belizean cattle and coconuts as well as expanding the Maya Train project.
The "Tren Maya" or Maya Train is a 1.554 km - long intercity railway in Mexico that traverses the Yucatán Peninsula and it aims to connect major cities across five states : Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatán, providing a freight and passenger rail service and also focusing to exploit the greatest tourism potential and generating a notable socioeconomic development in the region.
In addition this major railway project is planned to extend its reach into Belize and Guatemala, connecting with other Mayan countries. While the core route primarily traverses through Mexico, the expansion will link the Mexican rail network with these Central American countries, a move expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and promote regional integration within the Mayan cultural region.
This extension would add approximately 300 km of new lines, initially branching off from Chetumal, city on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and capital of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and crossing the Hondo River into Belize.
Belizean authorities have confirmed that formal negotiations are set to take place between representatives of the mega - railway project and the neighbouring country’s government.
Nery Ramírez, the Executive Director of the Corozal Free Zone, the leading Belizean duty - free designated as a foreign trade catalyst and a smart business community, reported that although a date for meeting has not yet been set, the arrival of a technical team from Tren Maya and the Government are expected to conduct preliminary studies on the project’s feasibility, to review the route and conduct the necessary analysis with a view to developing a management plan.
The official noted that the potential of rail connection would represent a significant opportunity for both the tourism sector and bilateral trade and emphasizing that the Free Zone could benefit from freight rail transportation once this mode of transport is operational.
These projects are part of a proposal promoted by Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño, who previously asked the Mexican government to consider extending the train into Belize.
Extending the Maya Train to Belize offers numerous advantages for the Central American Country, including increased tourism, economic growth, and enhanced connectivity. The project could significantly boosts Belize’s tourism sector by attracting more visitors from Mexico and beyond and facilitating trade and business opportunities between the two countries.
In addition this extension could foster furthermore regional cooperation and integration, potentially opening up new markets for Belizean goods and services, and also creating numerous employment opportunities for Belizeans.
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