TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Paraguay’s Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare, Maria Teresa Baran, on Tuesday expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s assistance in improving the nation’s healthcare.

During a luncheon hosted by the foreign ministry, Baran said the Health Information System Management Efficiency Enhancement Project that Taiwan helped implement in 2017 has now been introduced in 1,188 medical institutions across Paraguay — marking a major milestone in bilateral health cooperation, according to the ministry.

Baran emphasized that Taiwan has played an indispensable role in the development of Paraguay’s health system and is a key partner in global public health. She reaffirmed that Paraguay will continue to speak up for Taiwan and support its participation in the international community.

Baran and her delegation are in Taiwan until Friday to learn more about Taiwan’s public health and social welfare development. During the trip, the delegation will meet with officials at the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Taiwan ICDF, and also tour the National Taiwan University Hospital and Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

The group will also visit Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park.

Last month, a Paraguayan media delegation came to Taiwan to gain a better understanding of the country’s growth and bilateral ties. The group met with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who said that Taiwanese and Paraguayan industries are complementary. Taiwan is willing to share its experience in industrialization and technological development, he added.