Taiwan is seeking to deepen friendship and expand trade and cultural exchanges with New Southbound Policy target country India, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu Oct. 21.
 
The NSP gives Taiwan and India an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in many areas such as agriculture, economy, education, health care, and science and technology, Wu said. This partnership is in line with the interests of both democracies and will assist in promoting inclusive prosperity, he added.
 
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive “Straight Talk” interview with Palki Sharma of India-based World is One News. The wide-ranging virtual sit-down, broadcast via pay TV and online globally, addressed Taiwan-related topics like China’s ongoing campaign of coercion, coronavirus-combating measures, defense, the National Day incident in Fiji, and participation in the U.N. system and World Health Organization.
 
According to Wu, the bilateral investment agreement signed by Taiwan and India in December 2018 paved the way for local businesses to commit more than US$2.3 billion and create over 65,000 jobs to date. It is believed this momentum will enable the two sides to cultivate more opportunities in potential-laden industries of the future, as well as strengthen high-tech industry supply chains, he said.
 
Concerning the National Day incident in Fiji, Wu said the people of Taiwan are aggrieved by the actions of China’s embassy officials in attempting to disrupt the reception. The government’s position has been clearly stated through formal channels, he added.
 
On the U.N. system and WHO front, Wu said Taiwan Can Help the world body and its specialized agencies realize the Sustainable Development Goals while bolstering the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is willing and able to share its know-how and resources in building better tomorrows for all, he added.
 
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (YCH-E)
 
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw