Taiwan is deepening ties with Belize, one of its few remaining diplomatic allies, through a new job-training school — good news for Taipei's efforts to hold onto its shrinking list of official partners.

• Taiwan plans a "Taiwan-Caribbean Prosperity Institute" in Belize, run with the University of Belize.
• Taiwanese teachers will train Belizeans in tourism and food service, nursing, nutrition, and smart farming and fishing.
• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is also pushing Taiwanese companies to invest in Belize and buy Belizean goods.
• The plan came as Belize's public service and disaster management minister Henry Usher visited Taiwan, marking 37 years of relations.
• Usher toured Taiwan's civil service and disaster response agencies, a sign both sides want to work together on emergency planning.

Outlook: Expect more Taiwanese aid and trade offers to Belize as Taipei works to keep its handful of allies from switching recognition to Beijing.