As Guam looks to diversify its economy, maybe it can explore more trade opportunities with Taiwan. That was the message from the head of the Taiwan economic and cultural office during a virtual presentation today before the Rotary Club.

You may not realize it, but Taiwanese investment is all around us. Taiwanese companies run power plants here, operate a cement factory, a commercial bank, own valuable land in Tumon, and even sell one of the more popular beverages: Mr. Brown coffee. 

And while Taiwan is only the third-top tourism market, Economic and Cultural Office director general Paul Chen says they're working to increase those arrivals once the market reopens. "We are talking about a pre check-in system, which we are talking with the US Border Office. They are the front line in Taipei. In Taiwan, the airport. So when they check in to the airport in Taiwan it's actually in U.S. territory. So when they fly to Guam they don't need to go through Customs again. They can easily just walk out, so make it more smooth and easier for the tourist to come," he explained.

Chen says he hopeful several Taiwanese airlines will consider flying here, increasing the demand and competition, adding, "When you travel to Guam from Taiwan the most expensive thing is the flight ticket, it's not the hotel. So if we can cut the price of tickets, then more passengers will come."

Chen says another way to boost traffic is simply by reaching out and establishing sister-city relationships in Taiwan, noting, "Most cities, the major metropolitan cities is around 3 million population in the city. It's very big. So consider the scale, economic power, I encourage Guam to have a more sister relationship with Taiwan's major cities, because those cities will put their attention and effort to expand the relationship with Guam."

And he says another way to boost relations is through student exchange programs.