Image reproduced from Taiwan News

At a sensitive time in the Taiwan-U.S. tariff negotiations, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung today (9th) led a delegation of business representatives to visit Paraguay, one of Taiwan's friends in South America, coinciding with the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Paraguay.

During the visit, he is scheduled to meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez, as well as co-host a reception commemorating the 68th anniversary of Taiwan-Paraguay diplomatic relations, highlighting the strong friendship between the two countries.

As the suspension period for equal tariffs from the United States is about to expire, President Lai Ching-te had a video call late on the 7th with the negotiation team currently in the U.S. for economic and trade discussions, which included key officials such as Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun, chief trade negotiator Yang Chen-ni, National Security Bureau director Tsai Ming-yen, and Representative to the U.S. Bi-khim Hsiao. In light of the sensitive circumstances, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement tonight explaining the significance of Minister Lin's visit.

Lin expressed through his social media that he will depart for Paraguay late at night in Taiwan and will celebrate the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Paraguay during his visit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that since Lin took office, he has actively promoted a comprehensive diplomatic strategy that includes value diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic diplomacy, enabling Taiwan to connect with the world and deepen international ties through democratic values.

Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized that Taiwan is striving to become an "economic sun that never sets" and is promoting the "Honorable Allies Plan" under its overall diplomatic framework, aiming to export Taiwan's advantageous industries and successful experiences to help allied nations thrive.

To better understand the outcomes of the Honorable Allies Plan, Minister Lin's itinerary will include inspections of the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park, Taiwan-Paraguay University of Technology, the electric bus pilot project, and the implementation of the Medical Information Management Efficiency Improvement Plan. He will also explore how to leverage Taiwan's technological advantages to foster the development of Paraguay's technology industry, elevating Taiwan's value diplomacy to "value-added diplomacy".

The Ministry also stated that to expand industrial cooperation with Paraguay and establish the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park as a demonstration field for Taiwan's digital application services, Minister Lin is leading representatives from industries such as semiconductors, information communication, smart transportation, smart agriculture, construction, and high-tech functional fabrics to Paraguay to promote Taiwan's global industrial layout, strengthening economic exchanges and supply chain connections, and deepening the mutually beneficial partnership between Taiwan and Paraguay in the economic and trade sectors.