TAIPEI, Taiwan – Three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have officially joined the newly established Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) here transforming the former Central America Trade Office (CATO) into a broader alliance designed to enhance commercial and diplomatic ties.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung speaking at the inauguration of the Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (MOFA Photo)The three CARICOM countries are St.. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They are among a handful of CARICOM countries with diplomatic relations with Taiwan which China regards as a renegade province.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said LACTO is built on 30 years of experience and success at the Central America Trade Office, and is charged with promoting trade, investment, tourism and industrial cooperation between Taiwan and the six regional allies.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Economic and Trade Office will coordinate government resources and provide one-stop services to allies in the region and work closely with LACTO to promote mutually beneficial projects.
The ministry said it will team up with LACTO and organize exhibitions, promotional events, fact-finding tours and matchmaking sessions to help allies promote their products in Taiwan, and assist local firms expanding their presence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
