“In Paraguay, I was impressed by the reputation of Tamkang University. Therefore, while I visited Taiwan I especially asked for this tour to TKU to get further informed about your honorable educational tradition” Vice-President of the Republic of Paraguay, Excmo. Sr. Luis Alberto Castiglioni indicated.

Last Thursday (Feb. 12, 2004), Vice-President of the Republic of Paraguay, Excmo. Sr. Luis Alberto Castiglioni, accompanied by his wife and two sons, Minister of Finance of Paraguay, Vice-minister of Industry, and Ambassador, visited TKU. They were welcomed and personally received by President Chang Horng-jinh. In the seminar, Paraguayan Minister of Finance pointed out that Paraguay has signed a five-year co-operational project of Higher Education with Taiwan. Hence, more comprehensive academic cooperation will be done. Paraguayan Ambassador Ramon Antreo Diaz Pereira wished to get further touch with TKU, especially to share opinions with faculty members and students of Graduate Institute of Latin American Studies.

The Republic of Paraguay was in South America, with a population of about 5,450,000. The official language is Spanish. Paraguay started her diplomatic relation with R.O.C. in 1957. So far, Paraguay is the only country in South American that has diplomatic relation with Taiwan. The official as well as civil activities between the two countries are active. Especially noted is the agricultural technique group dispatched to Paraguay. They are helpful in promoting the techniques of production in small farms and in raising the standard of farmers’ lives.

Chairperson of the Association of TKU alumni in Paraguay, Mr. Hsu Lian-chuan and Paraguayan student Lin Yueh-tao (Sophomore, English Dept.) also attended the seminar. President Chang Horng-jinh invited the two sons of Vice-President of the Republic of Paraguay to study in TKU and guaranteed to give full scholarships. His highness was pleased with the goodwill. He also invited President Chang to Paraguay, which was promised immediately.