Vice President Lai Ching-te said Sept. 13 that the government will continue to strengthen bilateral ties with Central America ally Belize while boosting the two sides’ economic and trade cooperation.
Lai made the remarks during a ceremony marking the 41st anniversary of Belize Independence Day and celebrating the launch of Belize Culture Month. Lai extended congratulations on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen and the government and people of Taiwan.
Over the 33 years of their diplomatic relations, Taiwan and Belize have enjoyed a close partnership spanning sectors such as agriculture, education, environmental protection, public health and information and communications technology, Lai said.
Such ties have deepened in recent years as evidenced by Belize’s continued support of Taiwan’s meaningful inclusion in U.N. specialized agencies like the World Health Organization, and Taiwan training programs offered to women, youth and small and medium-sized enterprise owners, Lai added.
According to Lai, economic exchanges between the two countries have expanded considerably, citing a year-on-year 78 percent increase in bilateral trade volume in 2021 and the signing of the Taiwan-Belize Economic Cooperation Agreement in January.
This solid relationship is shown by mutual visits, including Belize Prime Minister John Briceno’s visit to Taiwan in March, the vice president said. Briceno’s participation in a seminar exploring mutual business opportunities during his visit has boosted investment and trade between the two sides, he added.
In addition, the Central American ally’s participation in the 2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival and Puncar Taiwan Tour promoted mutual appreciation of their respective cultures and food, he said.
Lai took the opportunity to thank Briceno, Belize’s Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay and House of Representatives Speaker Valerie Woods for voicing support for Taiwan during China’s military provocation following U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
Taiwan will remain calm and rational in the face of increased threats from Beijing, Lai said, adding that the government is committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and will never compromise its freedom and democratic way of life. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw