TAIPEI, Taiwan, (TaiwanToday) – On September 12, president Lai Ching-te received credentials from the new ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Katherine Vanessa Meighan. Lai anticipated that ambassador Meighan’s experience and vision would enhance progress in areas including education exchanges, gender equality, and economic and trade cooperation, reaching new milestones in bilateral ties.
Meighan is a distinguished alumna of Taiwan’s National Chengchi University. The president commended her long-term promotion of women’s empowerment and micro-, small- and medium-enterprises, aligned with Taiwan initiatives in the areas.
Reciprocal trade has grown considerably since the Taiwan-Belize Economic Cooperative Agreement was signed, Lai said, adding that imports of frozen shrimp from the central American ally was approved in July this year. In addition, Lai conveyed admiration for Belize’s prime minister John Briceño’s leadership.
Meighan stated that Taiwan investment in Belize’s educational, medical, and technological sectors had deepened links between citizens on both sides, and added that Belize remains unwavering in its support for Taiwan’s international engagement in various bodies.
Also on September 12, the president received credentials from the new ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Paraguay to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Darío Filártiga Ruiz Díaz. Lai welcomed the ambassador, noting that the two countries have strong bonds and engage in close cooperation based on democratic values, economic collaboration, education and culture.
The president lauded Ruiz Díaz’s familiarity with regional conditions and noted that since the Taiwan-Paraguay Economic Cooperative Agreement took effect in 2018, bilateral trade has continued to grow and Taiwan has become a major export market for Paraguay’s beef, pork and sesame. Lai noted other close partnerships including the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park and Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University.
Ruiz Díaz praised Taiwan’s leading role in the semiconductor industry as well as the nation’s commitment to advancing economic sustainability. He further emphasized the commitment of the Paraguayan administration to assist Taiwan with meaningful participation in global organizations.