Taipei: Visiting Guatemalan President Bernardo Ar©valo stated that his trip to Taiwan is designed to strengthen the long-standing historical ties between the two nations by enhancing economic and trade relations. This marks Ar©valo's first visit to Taiwan since assuming office in January 2024.
According to Focus Taiwan, Ar©valo elaborated on his vision for a "new chapter in Guatemala-Taiwan relations," expressing gratitude for Taiwan's past cooperation. He emphasized that the goal of his five-day visit is to elevate bilateral ties to a new level, particularly by intertwining the economies and commercial relations of both countries.
Ar©valo highlighted the potential for increased collaboration in the semiconductor and supply chain sectors. He noted that Guatemala has been actively working with Taiwanese counterparts to identify mutual areas of cooperation. Among the agreements to be signed during his visit, one focuses on facilitating bilateral investment and promoting supply chain cooperation, while another aims to develop Guatemala's semiconductor industry. The third document is intended to establish a framework for political consultations.
Last month, Guatemala initiated efforts to strengthen its semiconductor industry by sending 28 engineers for a training program in Taiwan. Ar©valo's government sees this as an opportunity to create jobs and bolster the Guatemalan high-tech sector.
During his visit, Ar©valo and his delegation will tour the Hsinchu Science Park and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to better understand Taiwan's expertise in technology. Beyond high-tech collaboration, discussions are underway with Taiwanese textile companies about potential investments in Guatemala, leveraging the country's strategic location as a bridge between Latin America and the U.S.
Ar©valo also expressed a desire to celebrate the enduring friendship between the two nations and to strengthen these historical links for the mutual benefit of both peoples. This visit is significant for Ar©valo, marking his first trip to Taiwan since 1994 when he served as deputy foreign minister.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) established diplomatic relations with Guatemala in 1934. Guatemala is one of Taiwan's two diplomatic allies in Central America, alongside Belize, and one of twelve allies worldwide.
Following his visit to Taiwan, Ar©valo will travel to Japan to commemorate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guatemala and Japan. His itinerary includes attending the Osaka World Expo, meeting the emperor of Japan, and holding a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo.