TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) announced the establishment of a diplomatic ally trade and economic office on Monday.

Similar to the Central America Trade Office, the new office adopts a public-private partnership approach, encouraging businesses to form social enterprises, CNA reported. Twelve companies and organizations have already joined, each providing NT$2 million (US$62,236) to the initiative. The contributors all have distribution channels to promote products from diplomatic allies and help them receive organic certification while creating local employment opportunities, Lin said.

Participants include the Dadu Mountain Industry Innovation Foundation, the Taiwan Chain Stores and Franchise Association, and the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei.

The office opening comes as the foreign ministry is implementing the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project “to deepen substantive relations with allies and like-minded countries.” Under the project, the ministry helps development in allied countries through projects related to smart medicine, sustainable tourism, sovereign AI, digital governance, and other fields.

“Through the export of smart solutions, Taiwan has stimulated the prosperous development of allies and bolstered democratic supply chains,” the foreign ministry said in 2024. “This has consolidated diplomatic ties and is helping allies enjoy greater prosperity.”