Lily L. W. Hsu
Secretary General,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
August 3, 2022
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Good morning!
It is a great honor to be here with so many friends from home and abroad as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Taiwan and CABEI and the first anniversary of the establishment of the CABEI Country Office in Taiwan.
CABEI is one of the most significant financial institutions striving to raise well-being throughout Central America. In fulfilling our commitment to foster economic and social development through multilateral forums in the Central American region, Taiwan joined CABEI as a non-regional member in 1992. Our joint efforts have since facilitated a wide range of development projects. In 2020, the eighth capital increase further strengthened CABEI’s equity and made Taiwan the bank’s largest shareholder.
In addition to providing financial resources, Taiwan has always been keen to share its expertise and experience with CABEI. Over the past three decades, through the TaiwanICDF—the agency responsible for international assistance and development—Taiwan and CABEI have launched numerous cooperative projects, delivering technical support to a host of beneficiaries. To further strengthen cooperation, we established the Taiwan-CABEI Partnership Trust Fund last year. This will support CABEI and its member countries in achieving sustainable economic, social, and inclusive development through host of technical assistance, training, and advisory services. At the same time, we hope the fund will empower more Taiwanese companies to expand their business operations throughout Central America.
Today, we commemorate thirty years of fruitful partnership between Taiwan and CABEI. And I could not think of a better way to celebrate this significant milestone than having the CABEI Country Office in Taiwan up and running. As the first CABEI country office to be established outside Central America, this office, operating from the top of Taipei 101 in the capital’s influential financial district, signifies the strong partnership between our two sides and is taking our collaboration to new heights. We believe that by tapping into Taiwan’s business strengths and drawing on our networks throughout Asia, the office will enhance Taiwan’s role in bridging CABEI and Asia, connecting out two regions more closely and promoting even stronger economic cooperation.
I want take this opportunity to thank Dr. Mossi and his team for making the establishment of this country office possible, and for flying all the way from Honduras to join us in this meaningful celebration. We are grateful for your solidarity and friendship.
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wish CABEI and its Country Office in Taiwan every success, and everybody here good health.
Thank you!