Taiwan has attained record recognition and support in 2023 as a result of the government’s steadfast diplomacy and the hard work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and associated overseas offices to defend national dignity and ensure the rights of the people.

At the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Chen Chien-jen received a National Development Council briefing on the recent achievements and future outlook of Taiwan’s economy. The premier said the nation’s economic development has yielded outstanding results in areas including economic growth, global competitiveness, exports, investment, labor markets, private consumption, fiscal discipline and financial markets, outperforming other major economies on several economic indicators.

At the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Chen Chien-jen received a Ministry of Agriculture briefing on measures to guard against African swine fever (ASF) and protect Taiwan's pig population. The premier said preparations must be made to combat ASF during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday period when large crowds of inbound travelers may bring animal products into the country.

The 2023 Taiwan Study Program for Future Leaders from the Indo-Pacific Region wrapped up Dec. 18 in Taipei City, underscoring government commitment to develop the region’s next generation of personnel.

Taiwan welcomed its 6 millionth visitor this year Dec. 15 at Taoyuan International Airport with two weeks to spare on the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration’s goal for 2023.

The 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13. A Taiwanese delegation led by Minister of Environment Shieu Fuh-sheng that comprised representatives of public and private actors attended the event as an NGO observer under the auspices of the Industrial Technology Research Institute and other NGOs.

Taiwan’s nongovernmental organizations are raising the country’s global profile while local branch offices of overseas counterparts boost international collaboration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dec. 14.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu urged New Zealand to support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

A workshop on cybersecurity was held by Taiwan, India and the U.S. under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework Dec. 11 in New Delhi, demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to tackling challenges with international impact alongside like-minded partners.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the latest edition of its white paper on Taiwan’s international cooperation Dec. 7 in Taipei City, underscoring the country’s contributions and achievements in the global arena.