By Government Press Office | BELIZE
BELMOPAN, Belize – On the invitation of the government of the Republic of China, Taiwan, Dr Leroy Almendarez, executive director of BELTRAIDE, in the role as president Pro Tempore (PPT) of CENPROMYPE SICA is leading a Central American delegation on a friendly visit, within the framework of the comprehensive program to support the MSME Regional Agenda (PRAAR), financed by Taiwan.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a strategic partner for CENPROMYPE SICA, in the execution of programs and projects in favour of Central American MSMEs, to strengthen and consolidate regional efforts for the development of the region, as well as its entrepreneurs.
Within the framework of the excellent relations maintained with the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), support is established with the Central American integration process, particularly the countries of Belize and Guatemala with a view to strengthening this relationship and fostering better channels for regional cooperation.
Other members of the board of directors of CENPROMYPE, joining the delegation, include Oscar Ramos Jiron, director general of AMPYME, representative of Panama; vice minister Jorge Morales Paulino, of the Dominican Republic and David Cabrera, executive director.
The delegation visited:
1) Central American Trade Office (CATO). During the visit, CATO stressed that in just one year, the economic relationship between Belize and Taiwan grew 300 percent after the signing of the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA).
- Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI)- Through CABEI financial vehicles exist to provide support to projects for MSMEs, in all eight countries of SICA; there are also facilities, with special emphasis on women led MSMEs.
- Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). The discussion focused on technical & financial assistance provided to SMEs, including incubation, innovation, and technical assistance through training, for MSMEs operating within the green, blue, and orange spaces.
- International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF)-Currently, Belize and Guatemala are the two major beneficiaries; discussions focused on a possible commercial agreement with CENPROMYPE.
- Importers and Exporters Association of Taiwan (IEAT)- This is Taiwan’s largest and most influential trade organization; the focus was increasing export penetration within the Taiwan market.
- Industrial Technology Research Institute.
- Hsinchu Science Park.
- Taiwan External Trade Development Council.
On the periphery of the delegation’s visit, PPT Almendarez paid a courtesy visit to Belize’s ambassador to Taiwan, Dr Candice Pitts, at the Embassy of Belize in Taiwan.
Ambassador Pitts took the opportunity to discuss and display Belize’s product offerings to the delegation. On Wednesday, May 24, the vice minister of foreign affairs, ambassador Alexander Tah-ray Yui, joined by key players in Taiwan’s trade and investment sphere, hosted a business lunch with the delegation; vice minister Tah-ray Yui and PPT Almendarez delivered opening remarks.
MSMEs contribute over 70 percent to employment and approximately 50 percent to gross domestic product (GDP); it is important that technical and financial resources be allocated, in creating the enabling environment through domestic and international partnerships, to ensure long-term sustainability of MSMEs, as the engines for macroeconomic growth.
