2016 Delegation for Central American Trade Opportunities

2016-01-15

Central America is the key region of Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. Governments of both parties strongly support and encourage economic and trade exchange. Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras have signed free trade agreements with Taiwan. The majority of products enjoy tariff reduction. In addition to rich raw materials, cheap labors and stable exchange rates, infrastructure in the Central American countries has been greatly improved during recent years. Moreover, coupled with the tariff preferences of the US Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), in addition to import and export, Taiwan’s manufacturers can establish footholds for direct production and sales or set up distribution logistic centers to enhance competitiveness, expand the business opportunities for export, and develop more markets in Central America or North America and South America.

Taiwan’s manufacturers have focused foreign trade on Mainland China or ASEAN countries in the past 20 years. However, the wage of the aforementioned countries has increased sharply and the fast-changing policies of the governments resulting in increased investment and trade costs and risks and a trend for the Taiwan’s manufacturers to relocate. In order to encourage the manufacturers to trade with and invest in the Central American allies, the government of Taiwan provides preferential scheme of subsidies. CATO is in good relationship with the authorities and business communities of the seven countries and the embassies of Taiwan. The visiting itinerary are highly supported and cooperated. Taiwan’s manufacturers should grasp the opportunity to explore Central America and have an in-depth understanding of the economic and trade opportunities and investment environment through this expedition.

The manufacturers will be arranged to participate in Panama International Expo (Expocomer) Exhibition and business meetings on March 9~12. Expocomer is the most important international expo exhibition in Latin America and it is the best platform for Taiwan’s import and export industry to enter the Latin American markets.