The 2018 International Elite Leadership Seminar kicked off July 2 in Taipei City, bringing together 23 participants from 10 countries in North Africa and West Asia to gain firsthand knowledge of Taiwan.

The Friendship Medal of Diplomacy was conferred June 29 on Mario Ste-Marie, executive director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu in recognition of his extensive contributions to strengthening Taiwan-Canada relations.

The talent cultivation program implemented by the Ministry of Education in support of the New Southbound Policy is boosting exchanges between Taiwan and NSP countries, according to Premier Lai Ching-te June 27.

The appointment of William Brent Christensen as new director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan is welcomed June 27 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Premier Lai Ching-te on Thursday expressed approval for the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) training and education program focused on the New Southbound Policy, saying the project is increasing bilateral exchanges of high-quality education experts and organizations, expanding the two-way flow of young scholars and students, and creating a platform for mutual cooperation in education.

Taiwan is sparing no effort in promoting clean governance through such wide-ranging measures as amending financial regulations and compiling the first national report on the implementation of the U.N. Convention against Corruption, according to Premier Lai Ching-te June 25.

An exhibition documenting the success of Taiwan technical missions in advancing technology development in diplomatic allies El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua was opened by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu June 26 in Taipei City.

Taiwan donated 1,000 metric tons of rice to diplomatic ally Guatemala June 20 to support disaster relief efforts following the Fuego volcano eruption earlier this month.

At the Asia Pacific Integrity Conference and Transparency International (TI) Regional Annual Meeting on Monday, Premier Lai Ching-te said Taiwan’s rankings on TI’s anti-corruption reports have improved over past years thanks to the efforts of all involved. This year, the administration will publish the first national report on the implementation of the U.N. Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Taiwan,

Premier Lai Ching-te on Monday said the economy is the nation’s highest priority, which is why the government has been pushing to raise salary levels, cut taxes and regulations, make tax burdens more reasonable, and create a friendly environment for investors and businesses.