GUATEMALA CITY, (Reuters) – Taiwan has paid for a lobbying contract to promote Guatemala with U.S. officials, Guatemala’s government said late on Monday, just as Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic foothold in Central America are advancing.
“Guatemala thanks Taiwan for the support that will allow us to enhance the country’s position in the United States,” the Guatemalan government said in a statement.
Taiwan’s embassy in Guatemala did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the contract, which Guatemala said aims to bolster investment, tourism and promote small businesses.
The lobbying contract is with Ballard Partners, a firm headed by Brian Ballard, who the company’s website said was a backer of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to recent public filings in the United States, the contract is worth $900,000 and should provide consulting and advocacy “related to the United States government, including interactions with United States government officials.”
