The first Chinese in Belize arrived as indentured labourers from Amoy region in south eastern China in 1865. These immigrants were never agriculturally oriented and many died or went to live with the Santa Cruz Maya between the time they arrived in Belize and 1891. The next migration of Chinese came from Livingston, Guatemala. The subsequent wave of Chinese immigration was more permanent with a number of new families making Belize their home.
After Independence, citizens of Taiwan have immigrated to Belize. Mainland Chinese have also continued to make Belize their homes. Another Asian group which has contributed to Belize is a small group from Korea who have made attempts at manufacturing in the country. Asians have contributed much to the development of commerce in Belize.