Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan), (24^th July, 2026) — Saint Kitts and Nevis is now one of six member states of the newly created Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO), supported through the Republic of China (Taiwan)’s Latin American and Caribbean Economic Development Fund.

Formerly known as the Central American Trade Office (CATO), LACTO was established to promote and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, economic development and country image promotion among its member states.

Belize and Guatemala, the two remaining members of CATO’s initial group that started in 1997, are now joined by Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as members of the newly expanded office.

On Friday, July 24, the Ambassadors and other members of the Embassies witnessed the official unveiling of the newly inaugurated LACTO offices in Taipei.

Speaking on behalf of the new LACTO member states, His Excellency Ambassador Donya L. Francis, Ambassador of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis to the Republic of China (Taiwan), expressed profound appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its vision and continued support.

“This change reflects an expanded vision, a broader regional partnership, and a renewed commitment to strengthening commercial and economic relations between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Ambassador Francis.

At the inauguration ceremony, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized that the establishment of the Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s efforts to deepen economic engagement with its diplomatic allies in the Caribbean and Latin America. He explained that the office will collaborate closely with the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Trade Office to strengthen cooperation between governments and the private sector, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth.

Following the ceremony, Minister Lin, Ambassadors and other distinguished guests were given a guided tour of the gallery space, where each member country showcased its unique products, tourism offerings, investment opportunities and cultural identity through dedicated national displays.

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