Taiwan will offer US$250 million in aid to its Central American allies under a 'co-prosperity' programme rapped by the island's opposition as a bid to buy better foreign relations.
Taiwanese media outlets yesterday quoted President Chen Shui-bian as saying in an interview with a Guatemalan newspaper that he would formally announce the aid programme at a summit with Central American allies in Nicaragua on Monday.
Taiwanese Economics Minister Ho Mei-yueh confirmed the report, telling the government-funded Central News Agency the programme marked a shift in Taiwan's diplomatic strategy - from financial aid and technological assistance, to economic and trade co-operation.
Ms Ho is accompanying Mr Chen on a 12-day visit to five Central American and Caribbean allies that began on Tuesday.
The president arrived on Thursday in Guatemala, the first leg of the state trip, which includes stopovers in the US cities of Miami and San Francisco.
Ms Ho said the money would be provided from three government funds, adding the programme would be aimed at backing niche industries, including foodstuffs and textiles, in Central American nations.
