TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) said Thursday that Taiwan and Panama should deepen cooperation in trade and technology as he met with a bipartisan delegation of Panamanian lawmakers on Wednesday.
Han thanked the delegation for visiting Taiwan despite an approaching typhoon, saying the trip reflected strong support for Taiwan, per CNA. He said people-to-people ties and partnerships between the two democracies have remained strong despite changes in official relations.
Han said Taiwan imports large quantities of white shrimp from Panama each year, accounting for nearly 40% of Taiwan’s total white shrimp imports. He said the trade relationship shows a strong foundation for further cooperation.
Han said Taiwan hopes to expand cooperation with Panama in trade, technology, and industry to promote economic development and improve the well-being of both peoples.
Delegation leader Orlando Carrasquilla, chair of Panama’s National Assembly Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Affairs, said the visit allowed lawmakers to experience Taiwan’s hospitality and see its achievements in semiconductors and AI. He said Taiwan and Panama share a valuable friendship.
Panamanian lawmaker Medin Jimenez Pitti said the delegation hopes to establish a Taiwan friendship group in Panama’s legislature to strengthen parliamentary ties. He said Panama’s advantages, including the Panama Canal and the Colon Free Trade Zone, could create more opportunities for investment.
