Taipei, Dec. 14 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that the Republic of China is willing to help Panama widen the Panama Canal.
Receiving the credentials presented by new Panamanian Ambassador to the ROC Julio Mock at the Presidential Office, Chen told the Panamanian envoy that his government is willing to help Panama accomplish the construction project, which is one of President Martin Torrijos' campaign promises.
Chen also expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of the ROC-Panama free trade agreement that was put into effect at the beginning of this year, saying that two-way trade amounted to US$140 million in the first half of this year, equal to the whole of the last year and an increase of 164 percent year-on-year.
It is estimated that Panama's exports to the ROC this year will increase to US$25 million, four times the previous year's level, he added.
Chen also asked Mock to convey his invitation to Torrijos to visit Taiwan.
On hand at the ceremony were Minister of Foreign Affairs Tan Sun Chen and James Huang, deputy secretary-general of the Presidential Office.