Strengthening Taiwan-Paraguay Relations Through Health and Technology Cooperation
Taiwanese Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-Lung, has successfully completed his first official visit to Paraguay, where he reiterated the importance of bilateral cooperation in various strategic sectors, including Public Health, Technology, Education, and Industrial Development. The highlight of this trip was evaluating the implementation of the Health Information System (HIS), a digital tool introduced by Taiwanese cooperation in over a thousand health centers across Paraguay.
Currently, the HIS operates in 1,033 Public Health Establishments in the country, allowing various functionalities such as patient medical history access, staff monitoring, and medication control. According to data released by the Taiwanese embassy in Asunción, this system benefits approximately 70% of the population and has significantly contributed to improving efficiency and transparency in hospital administration.
During the visit to the National Institute of Respiratory and Environmental Disease Juan Max Boettner (INERAM), Minister Lin was accompanied by María Teresa Barán, the Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare, and Gustavo Villate, the Minister of Information and Communication Technologies. Minister Barán emphasized that “the digitalization of the health system is a national priority,” assuring that the government will continue investing in this essential transformation to provide “warmer, efficient, and humane medical care.”
Lin expressed gratitude for Paraguay’s enduring support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, notably the World Health Assembly. He reiterated Taipei’s intention to enhance cooperation programs with Paraguay, the only South American nation maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan since 1957.
At the Paraguay-Taiwan Investment Forum, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña reaffirmed his country’s recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation. “We do not ignore China, but we recognize the self-determination of the people of Taiwan,” he stated. Furthermore, he announced an upcoming visit from Taiwanese President William Lai slated for August, adding, “We prepare anxiously and with great affection to receive President Lai in 30 days.”
The official delegation included over 30 Taiwanese entrepreneurs representing key industries, such as semiconductors, transport, technology, construction, agriculture, and textiles. Among them was Terry Tsao, president of Semi Taiwan and representative of the International Association of Semiconductor Manufacturers (SEMI). Taiwan is a pivotal player in the semiconductor market, producing over 50% of the world’s semiconductors, a critical component in manufacturing advanced technologies, including AI systems.
The Foreign Minister’s agenda also featured a tour of the future site of the Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University. This educational partnership aims to build a robust academic foundation, fostering research and development in key disciplines. Additionally, Lin attended a Business Forum organized in collaboration with the Paraguayan Industrial Union (UIP) and visited the Taiwan-Paraguay Intelligent Technology Park in Minga Guazú, located in the eastern region of the country.
In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, Lin took part in the presentation of a pilot plan for the comprehensive integration of electric buses, another vital area of ongoing cooperation between Taiwan and Paraguay. The visit concluded with a ceremony marking the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations established on July 12, 1957, showcasing the strong ties shared between the two nations.
Currently, Paraguay stands as one of just twelve countries worldwide that officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. This enduring diplomatic connection has paved the way for extensive cooperation initiatives across multiple sectors, including healthcare, technology, and education. Both parties are committed to deepening these collaborative efforts, looking forward to a future rich in technological advancement and mutual support.
The visit underscores Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Paraguay, as both nations highlight the significance of innovation in public health and technology, paving the way for a robust and collaborative future. As Taiwan solidifies its partnerships in South America, it continues to assert its identity on the international stage.