Taipei: Taiwanese importers and Paraguayan exporters gathered in Taipei Tuesday to discuss bilateral commercial ties at the “Meats of Paraguay Reception Dinner.” In a news release, the event’s organizer, the Paraguayan Meats Association, said it was held to serve as a key platform for reinforcing Paraguay’s role as a reliable meat supplier and to explore further trade opportunities.

According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi addressed the reception, highlighting Paraguay’s position as Taiwan’s second-largest source of frozen beef imports, which account for 11 percent of total imports. Taiwan is also the largest overseas destination for Paraguayan pork, making up 88 percent of Paraguay’s total pork exports. Chen stated that this reflects Taiwanese consumers’ trust in Paraguayan meat products. He also mentioned that Taiwan’s executive and legislative branches are working to reduce tariffs on Paraguayan pork products.

Chen further explained that once finalized, Paraguay would become the first country to enjoy zero tariffs on pork exports to Taiwan. This move is expected to boost bilateral trade by making Paraguayan pork more accessible to Taiwanese consumers.

A delegation from Paraguay, including the country’s Vice Minister of Exports and Investments Javier Viveros and President of the Paraguayan Meats Association Randy Ross Wiebe, attended the event. In 2024, Paraguay exported over 35,000 tons of beef and offal to Taiwan, valued at over US$200 million, along with 9,000 tons of pork, worth approximately US$30 million, as reported by the Paraguayan Meats Association.

Paraguay remains one of 12 countries, and the only one in South America, to maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name.