Vice President Chen Chien-jen addresses participants at the opening of the World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea Oct. 2 in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan. (Courtesy of Office of the President)

The concern shown by the Apostleship of the Sea for the safety and well-being of the world’s seafarers is deeply appreciated by the government and in line with its goal of further expanding exchanges between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and diplomatic ally the Holy See, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said Oct. 2.
 

As global competition intensifies, the services provided by this Catholic charity are particularly helpful for fishermen recruited from developing countries, Chen said. The responsibility for the apostleship’s worthy mission should also be shouldered by governments around the world, he added.
 

The vice president made the remarks before more than 250 academics and experts from over 50 countries and territories at the opening of the World Congress of the Apostleship of the Sea in Kaohsiung City. Themed Caught in the Net, the seven-day event focuses on issues related to the trafficking of migrant fishermen, forced labor on board fishing vessels and illegal fishing.
 

According to Chen, it is appropriate for Kaohsiung to host the congress as the southern Taiwan metropolis is a major international port and an important supply center for fishing vessels operating in the region.
 

Like the North Star for seafarers, governments must serve as beacons of direction and leadership, Chen said. This extends to assisting the needy and adopting forward-looking policy measures to tackle emerging and future challenges.
 

Taiwan is resolute in working to protect the underprivileged and provide them with timely care, the vice president said, citing the country’s internationally recognized National Health Insurance system as a prime example of this commitment.
 

In addition, Chen said the ROC and the Holy See are continuing to collaborate on offering hope and light in a time of darkness. It is hoped that through discussions and exchanges at the congress, participants will better understand this relationship and related efforts by the central and local government, he added. (SFC-E)