Belize Looks to Deepen Ties With Taiwan After High-Level Meetings

Belize is moving to further strengthen its longstanding partnership with Taiwan, following a series of high-level engagements with the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, Amino C.Y. Chi.  According to an official release from the Government of Belize, Minister of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management Henry Charles Usher, along with CEO Rolando Zetina, met with Ambassador Chi in Belmopan on April 7. The meeting underscored the deep and enduring friendship between Belize and Taiwan, rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development.  Discussions focused on strengthening Belize’s public service through technical cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange. The meeting also highlighted efforts to enhance disaster risk management, including the potential acquisition of drone technology to support the work of the National Emergency Management Organization in areas such as damage assessment, monitoring, and emergency response.  In a related engagement on Holy Thursday, Ambassador Chi also paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, where talks centered on expanding collaboration and advancing shared development goals.  During that meeting, Ambassador Chi expressed appreciation for Belize’s continued support in maintaining strong diplomatic ties. In response, Hyde pointed to Taiwan’s tangible contributions to national development, including support for Belize’s electric bus initiative, assistance with the Belcan Bridge renovation, and ongoing scholarship opportunities for Belizean students.  Hyde emphasized that these initiatives are helping to drive sustainable development while creating real opportunities for Belizeans.  Both meetings also explored new areas of cooperation, including boosting tourism and attracting investment, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to building on an already solid and productive partnership.  Ambassador Chi, a seasoned diplomat who has previously served in Belize, formally presented his credentials to Governor-General Froyla Tzalam on March 30. He succeeds former ambassador Lily Li-wen Hsu and has signaled his intention to continue strengthening ties between the two nations.