The inaugural administrative committee meeting of the Taiwan-Belize Economic Cooperation Agreement took place Jan. 19 via video conference, spotlighting government efforts to expand bilateral cooperation, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The daylong event was co-hosted by Deputy Economic Minister Chen Chern-chyi and Amalia Mai, CEO of Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. During the meeting, representatives of the two sides agreed to establish a committee for investment promotion and cooperation, as well as other committees for rules on food security inspections, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade, among other topics.
Chen said Belize is a supporter of Taiwan in the international arena and the allies have a history of working closely in the fields of agriculture, education and medical care. He expressed his hopes that the ECA will facilitate a continued deepening of exchanges between the two countries.
According to the MOEA, Mai expressed similar sentiments and additionally took the opportunity to congratulate Taiwan on its successful presidential election.
The ministry said that Taiwan and Belize are important allies and economic partners, adding that since taking effect Jan. 15, 2022, the ECA has brought benefits to bilateral trade, citing as an example the nearly tenfold increase in lobster imports from Belize last year. (YCH-E)
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