Day: October 30, 2024

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Visits Belize to Celebrate 35 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-Lung made an official visit to Belize this week. He met with Belize’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Francis Fonseca. The visit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, an occasion recently honoured with a motion in Belize’s National Assembly.

In their discussions, the ministers highlighted shared goals to enhance poverty reduction, economic development, and quality of life for citizens in both countries. Minister Fonseca thanked Taiwan for its support in constructing a hospital in San Pedro, a project set to improve healthcare access for locals and tourists alike.

In response to a request from Prime Minister John Briceño, Minister Lin confirmed Taiwan’s financial assistance for the reconstruction of the Belcan Bridge in Belize City. Both ministers noted these initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and spoke about Taiwan’s potential contributions to the global community. Minister Fonseca reiterated Belize’s commitment to supporting Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations and international organisations.

Minister Lin expressed Taiwan’s appreciation for Belize’s steadfast support of Taiwan’s sovereignty and right to self-determination. Both ministers pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation, reinforcing the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Belize.

Minister Osmond Martinez Visits Key Agriculture Sites

Osmond Martinez, Minister for Foreign Trade, toured the Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm and the Banana Growers Association (BGA) earlier this week to recognise their economic impact and address pressing industry challenges.

At the Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm, Minister Martinez observed sustainable aquaculture techniques used to produce seafood for local and international markets. “The farm representatives expressed their optimism about entering the Taiwan market in the first quarter of 2025. The Mexican market remains a prospect for the farm.” However, the company needs affordable financing and renewable energy to tackle annual electricity costs, which currently total around BZ$600,000.

Minister Martinez then visited the BGA, where he praised the association’s efforts to expand market access and support growers despite ongoing high production and labour costs. With labour supply heavily reliant on immigrant workers, the BGA’s leadership said that securing adequate staffing remains a challenge as production demands grow.

The Minister was accompanied by Andy Sutherland, Director General for Foreign Trade, and other Ministry officials.

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