EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Belize is poised to make a quantum leap in two ways. Firstly, it can be used as a in all areas of national development by productive sector in and of itself, mainly for exploiting the power of Information and the creation of jobs and the addition of Communication knowledge-based Technologies (ICT). exports. The sectoral this approach focuses on developing a country’s National Information and Communications economy by using ICT as a production sector; Technology ICT hence, in short term the human resources as Strategy) programs we will accelerate the inputs and markets to absorb the outputs are creation of a more prosperous future for required for success. Both of these are all Belizeans. addressed through numerous strategies for Through the implementation Strategy’s of (National ICTs have transformed the world, and the lives of millions in every faucet of life all around the world. The way we communicate, interact, learn, do business, take care of our health, socialize and care for each other are all influenced by ICT. In so many dimensions the transformation enabled by ICTs have been breathtaking. industry promotion, incentives for investors, training and development of human resources etc. The output of such efforts would be the creation of at least 5,000 new jobs via the development of cyberparks and research and technology centers that will also harness new technologies that could spin off into other productive sectors as well. Belize has already attracted more than 1,000 new Belize deserves and demands nothing jobs in this sector with very little proactive less. This National ICT Strategy outlines assistance and incentives to this industry. the path to accelerated development for all Belizeans though leveraging the power of ICTs. It places Communication Information Technologies and at the center of Belize’s social and economic development as a dynamic industry sector in itself, and in support of the development of other sectors of Belize. Secondly, ICT can also be of enormous benefit to the socio-economic development of a country as an enabler of such development. This approach focuses on the long term goals and objectives of the country which obviously should lead to an more economically prosperous Belize. Here the country needs to take up the challenge of raising, feeding, ICT can be of enormous benefit to the educating socio-economic development of a country opportunity for all of its population; thereby Belize ICT National Strategy and providing economic 4