Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially joined the newly established Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office (LACTO) in Taipei, Taiwan, marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties with Taiwan and its diplomatic allies.

The office, formerly known as the Central American Trade Office (CATO), now comprises six member states: Belize, Guatemala, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Supported by Taiwan’s Latin American and Caribbean Economic Development Fund, LACTO aims to promote trade, investment, tourism, economic development, and national branding across the region.

Speaking at the July 24^th, 2026, inauguration, St Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency, Donya L. Francis described the transition as “an expanded vision” that reinforces commercial and economic cooperation between Taiwan and its Caribbean and Latin American partners.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said LACTO will work alongside the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Trade Office to foster stronger public and private sector collaboration and generate new opportunities for sustainable economic growth. The ceremony concluded with a gallery exhibition showcasing each member country’s culture, tourism offerings, products, and investment potential.