A virtual workshop on supply chain restructuring and small and medium enterprise financing was held under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework April 14 in Taipei City, spotlighting the government’s commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation with its like-minded partners and improving supply chain resiliency in the Indo-Pacific.
 
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, American Institute in Taiwan, European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance, the one-day workshop also marked the first time the European Union has co-hosted a GCTF event.
 
According to the MOFA, high-profile participants included Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, AIT Director Brent Christensen, EETO head Filip Grzegorzewski and JTEA Chief Representative Hiroyasu Izumi. Experts and government officials from Taiwan, Japan, the EU and the U.S. also took part via video link, the ministry added.
 
During his address, Wu welcomed the addition of the EU as a GCTF co-host, highlighting a shared mutual interest in addressing issues of global concern. Taiwan looks forward to collaborating with fellow democratic countries and organizations in establishing resilient and diverse supply chains, as well as supporting SMEs in the post-pandemic era, he added.


In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Great #Taiwan, #US, #Japan & #GCTF-debutants #EU cooperation! The like-minded partners are on the same page when it comes to strengthening supply chain resilience & #SME responsiveness amid #COVID19. A big thanks to @grzegorzewskif & #Germany Rep. Prinz for the support.”
 
Since its launch in June 2015, the GCTF has hosted more than 1,000 experts, officials and representatives from around 70 countries and territories through 30 workshops covering topics such as disaster relief, energy security, law enforcement, media literacy, public health and women’s empowerment. (DL-E)
 
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