In spite of a pending diplomatic relationship with mainland China in the offing, the Dominican government is also firming up ties with Taiwan. A letter of intention that could lead to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be signed with Taiwan this week in order to spur investments from that Asian nation to the Dominican Republic. The foreign ministers from Taiwan and the DR, Tan Sun Chen and Carlos Morales Troncoso, respectively signed the letter. The move could be a reaction to the recent visit by a delegation from mainland China that was sponsored by the government’s PLD party. The Taiwanese ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Chi-tai Feng told reporters that the mainland Chinese are trying to destroy the 60-year long relationship that has been enjoyed by the Dominican and Taiwanese people. The Taiwanese ambassador pointed out that trade between the DR and Taiwan was heavily in favor of Taiwan and that the FTA would not only help to balance trade but it would also attract investments. Currently there is about US$100 million in Taiwanese investments in the DR, mostly in the manufacture of plastics, paper and medium sized workshops.