Taiwan's FM leads business delegation to Paraguay

Taipei, July 9 (CNA) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) is leading a business delegation to Paraguay to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and to deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Wednesday.

During the visit, Lin and his delegation will meet with Paraguay President Santiago Peña and Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez, MOFA said in a press release.

The Taiwanese delegation will also join a reception to be hosted by Ramírez to mark the 68th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, MOFA said.

Lin will be touring several Taiwan-sponsored projects in the South American ally, including the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park,Polytechnic University Taiwan-Paraguay, the first batch of Taiwan-donated e-buses, and the Health Information Management Efficiency Enhancement Project, according to MOFA.

Lin's delegation consisted of Taiwanese business representatives from a variety of sectors, including semiconductor, information and communications technology, smart transportation, smart agriculture, construction, and high-tech fabric.

They will take advantage of this trip to explore potential business opportunities in Paraguay for the enhancement of the mutually beneficial partnership, MOFA said.

The ministry did not say when Lin will return to Taiwan.

Paraguay is the only nation in South America and one of only 12 countries worldwide that formally recognize the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name. The two sides formed diplomatic relations in 1957.