Vice President Chen Chien-jen says his recent trip to the Dominican Republic was a success.
Chen spent four days in the country as part of his first overseas trip since he took office in May. The Dominican Republic is one of Taiwan’s 22 diplomatic allies, and Chen was there for the inauguration of the country’s president, Danilo Medina.
Upon returning to Taiwan on Saturday, Chen told reporters that the trip saw the successful implementation of the Tsai administration’s foreign policy, dubbed “steadfast diplomacy”. He said that the visit allowed Taiwan to make friends in a mutually beneficial way and discuss matters of mutual concern.
Chen also said that the trip gave him the opportunity to strengthen Taiwan’s relationships with other allied nations. He said that during the inauguration, he met with leaders and envoys from allies including Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Haiti.
Chen said that during the trip, he also learned more about the investment opportunities the Dominican Republic has to offer Taiwanese business. He said that a solar power plant built with Taiwanese investment has become one of the Dominican Republic’s important sources of electricity.
Chen also said that an orchid greenhouse built with Taiwanese investment has begun producing high-quality orchids and selling them in countries such as Haiti. Chen said he hopes to encourage more Taiwanese businesses to invest in allied nations like the Dominican Republic.