Diplomacy

FM Lin Expands Economic Cooperation in Guatemala With US Business Reps

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By Scott Huang/Tiffany Wong

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On a visit to Guatemala, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung announced plans for deeper trade and investment cooperation between Taiwan, the US and Guatemala. With Guatemala's close proximity to the US and friendship with Taiwan, it's a convenient location for joint ventures between the three countries. Of Taiwan's 12 remaining diplomatic allies, seven are in Latin America and the Caribbean, making the region central to Taipei's links to the rest of the world. Though these allies face pressure from China to switch recognition, Latin American studies professor Yen-Pin Su from National Chengchi University says that Guatemala and Belize haven't exhibited any warning signs that they might break ties with Taipei.

Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung shakes hands with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martinez as they announce deeper cooperation in trade and investment.

And it's not just the two countries involved – Taiwan wants to help its diplomatic ally reach American investors and markets, too.

LIN CHIA-LUNG, TAIWAN FOREIGN MINISTER:
"We hope that in the future we can promote cooperation between companies from Taiwan, the US and Guatemala helping our companies to put down roots in Guatemala with their sights on the North American market to spur economic growth for Guatemala and the region and create more employment opportunities."

The US-Taiwan Business Council is also taking part in the trip. Companies from the three nations are expected to deepen cooperation in the tech and health sectors.

CARLOS RAMIRO MARTÍNEZ, GUATEMALAN FOREIGN MINISTER:
"(Guatemala welcomes the visit) and expects that it will constitute a firm step towards strategic collaboration and cooperation that fosters economic and social development, as well as the establishment of industrial and technological opportunities that benefit to both nations."

Foreign Minister Lin’s visit to Guatemala follows a short trip to Belize, Taiwan's other Central American ally.

The two-day trip saw new deals, including one to set up a Taiwan-Caribbean Academy promoting vocational education and sustainable tourism in the region.

Taiwan's Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Of Taipei's 12 remaining diplomatic allies, seven are in the Latin America and Caribbean region. And China consistently pushes them to switch diplomatic recognition... using political or economic pressure.

One expert says he hasn't seen any warning signs that Belize or Guatemala might break ties with Taiwan. But he says the visit shows why the region is so important for Taiwan... and why Taiwan is important for the region.

YEN-PIN SU, DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR NATIONAL CHENGCHI UNIVERSITY:
"Both sides benefit a lot from this kind of international exchange. So basically we provided much support about how to help them to build the better food, agriculture, industry, etc."

Professor Su points out that Latin America is also conveniently located for transits in the US. Visits to these allies give Taiwanese officials good reasons to stop over in America, something China tries to prevent. Another reason for Taiwan to keep these remaining friends close.