President Tsai Ing-wen said June 20 that the 2018 Taiwan Mosaic program is an effective platform for helping future opinion shapers from Canada and the U.S. better understand the country while deepening the bonds of friendship among the peoples of all three nations.
 
Although political factors make it difficult for Taiwan to participate in the international community, the government is taking every opportunity to cultivate opportunities for cross-border cooperation and dialogue through such initiatives as the program, Tsai said. No stone will be left unturned in letting others learn from the country’s expertise and know-how, she added.
 
Tsai made the remarks while receiving the 30 participants in the fifth edition of the annual program at the Office of the President in Taipei City. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the undertaking involves students and professionals aged 20-35 experiencing Taiwan June 10-23 via seminars and workshops, visits with academic, private and public sector representatives, and trips to some of the nation’s most important cultural, historic and tourist sites.
 
According to the president, Taiwan is ready and willing to play a bigger role in the global arena, but thwarted by China’s political interference and suppression. It is important to understand that as this pressure grows, so does Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world, she said.
 
Taiwan’s history of successful economic development and democratic transformation is well-known, Tsai said. The international community cannot and will not miss out on what the country has to offer, she added.
 
The president said the government and people of Taiwan are deeply grateful for the tremendous support shown by like-minded countries such as Canada and the U.S. Examples include concluding reciprocal driver’s license agreements with all 10 Canadian provinces in April, as well as promulgation by U.S. Congress of the Taiwan Travel Act in March, Taiwan joining the U.S. Global Entry program last year and ongoing collaboration under the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperation and Training Framework.
 
All of these developments are positively impacting Taiwan’s respective government and people-to-people exchanges with Canada and the U.S., Tsai said.
 
According the president, it is her most sincere wish that program participants will tell classmates, colleagues, family and friends about Taiwan upon returning home. Sharing firsthand impressions and perspectives gained over the past two weeks is key to building an invaluable network of Taiwan insiders, she said. (JSM)
 
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