President Tsai lauds strength of ROC-Solomon Islands relations

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Sept. 26 that she looks forward to taking relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Solomon Islands to new heights by bolstering exchanges across the board and promoting mutually beneficial collaboration. She made the remarks while receiving a 15-member delegation led by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare at the Office of the President. The ROC and Solomon Islands established official relations in 1983 and maintain close and friendly ties. Bilateral cooperation projects span such areas as agriculture, medical care and sustainable development. These include the installation of meteorological and seismological observation equipment, as well as providing related technical training.

ROC thanks diplomatic allies for backing UN system participation 

Staunch support for Taiwan’s participation in the U.N. system shown by Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies during the world body’s recent General Assembly in New York is deeply appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Sept. 27. A total of 17 diplomatic allies backed the nation’s meaningful participation in the U.N. system either through writing to its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres or speaking out during the annual gathering, the MOFA said. The countries are Belize, Burkina Faso, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Paraguay, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Swaziland and Tuvalu. The MOFA said this backing is welcomed by the government and people of Taiwan. It also called on the U.N. to facilitate the inclusion of the nation in its system so all parties can work together in promoting the world body’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan gets underway

Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan (PILP) kicked off Sept. 25 in Taipei City, underscoring the commitment of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government to further advancing collaborative relations among Taiwan, the U.S. and various nations in the region. This year’s edition of PILP involves 27 officials and professionals from 10 Pacific nations. They participated in leadership courses at the East-West Center in Honolulu for six weeks, and will undertake a five-week program of field trips, seminars and workshops in Taiwan until Oct. 25. Organized by the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Taiwan leg of PILP brings participants up to speed on such topics as community development, disaster management, education, environmental protection, green energy, health care, indigenous culture, industry revitalization, international cooperation, nongovernmental organizations and vocational training.

Youth ambassadors wrap up first half of South, SE Asia tour

Participants in the International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program wrapped up the first half of a two-city tour Sept. 2, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Themed New Taiwan Generation, New Southbound Vision, the program involves 25 ambassadors in three groups visiting two destinations apiece: Jakarta and Manila, and Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur Aug. 28 to Sept. 6, as well as New Delhi and Singapore Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, respectively. Launched by the MOFA in 2009 with the aim of fostering people-to-people exchanges, the initiative helps strengthen bilateral ties by building people-to-people connections between local youths and their counterparts in the 18 New Southbound Policy target countries.

MOFA poll finds strong support for New Southbound Policy

The overwhelming majority of people in Taiwan support the government’s New Southbound Policy, reflecting a deep understanding in society of the initiative and its benefits, according to the results of a survey released Aug. 21 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Close to 80 percent of respondents said they are in favor of the initiative, up from 71 percent in a similar MOFA poll last year, with 15.3 percent holding a contrasting position. Nearly 72 percent said they back the government’s move to ease visa rules for qualified travelers from South and Southeast Asian countries under the policy, but 24 percent disapproved. Over 81 percent believe local governments should play a bigger role in promoting the initiative. Conducted Aug. 9-11 by Taipei City-based Survey and Research Co., the telephone survey involved 1,134 individuals in 22 cities and counties nationwide with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percent and a 95 percent confidence level.

Taiwan ranks 15th in WEF Global Competitiveness Report

Taiwan placed 15th in the latest Global Competitiveness Report released Sept. 26 by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), moving down one spot from last year. Scoring 5.33, Taiwan improved 0.05 points from 12 months before, finishing ahead of regional neighbors such as Malaysia, 23rd; South Korea, 26th; and mainland China, 27th. The report rates 137 economies worldwide by examining 12 pillars in three subindexes of basic requirements, efficiency enhancers as well as innovation and sophistication factors. Although Taiwan dropped in the overall ranking, it advanced two spots to 15th in the subindex of innovation and sophistication factors, a move attributed by the National Development Council to the country’s improvement in the pillar of business sophistication. Of the 12 pillars, Taiwan ranked between fifth and 30th, with its strongest performances in macroeconomic environment, innovation and market efficiency, and weakest in institutions, labor market efficiency and technological readiness. Among the 114 factors cited by the WEF in its assessment, Taiwan made the top 10 in 17 categories. Within the Asia-Pacific, Taiwan claimed fifth behind Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and New Zealand, in that order. Switzerland, the U.S. and Singapore took the top three spots.

Tsai unveils overseas collaborative construction project initiative

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) unveiled Sept. 25 an NT$100 billion-plus (US$3.3 billion) initiative aimed at encouraging local firms to undertake overseas construction projects in Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies and the 18 New Southbound Policy target countries. Similar to official development assistance provided by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the initiative comprises preferential loans and reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting homegrown companies expand their global footprints. The initiative, which is expected to be implemented by the Cabinet-level Office of Trade Negotiations, involves such agencies as the Ministries of Economic and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Public Construction Commission. It is currently with the Cabinet for review and scheduled for rollout by year-end.

Taiwan importers commit to buy nearly US$3 billion in US grain

A delegation of Taiwan grain importers concluded nearly US$3 billion in letters of intent for 10.2 million tons of grain Sept. 13 in Washington, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The pacts were inked with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Wheat Associates, respectively, during the Sept. 11-22 Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission. Taiwan was the U.S.’s 10th largest trading partner and seventh largest export market for agricultural goods in 2016. During the same period, the U.S. was Taiwan’s second largest trading partner, supplying up to 25 percent of the nation’s imported agricultural products, according to the MOFA.

Top experts, officials talk tech at 1st WCIT Leaders Roundtable

Top experts and government officials from home and abroad took part in the World Congress on Information Technology’s (WCIT) inaugural Leaders Roundtable Sept. 12 in Taipei City, discussing current and emerging challenges, innovations, opportunities and trends in the global information technology (IT) industry. Participants included Minister without Portfolio Wu Tsung-tsong (吳政忠‬), whose responsibilities extend to overseeing the development of Taiwan’s high-tech sector; Marek Ondrousek, deputy minister of industry and trade in the Czech Republic; Fleur Pellerin, former minister of small and medium enterprises, innovation and the digital economy in France; and Noah Kroloff, principal and co-founder of think tank Global Security and Innovative Strategies in the U.S. The leaders engaged in lively talks while sharing respective experiences and best practices in areas spanning broadband communication, IT and smart city development. Co-organized by the Industrial Development Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the annual WCIT attracted nearly 4,000 captains of industry, government officials and IT experts from 80 countries and territories.

US$14 million in deals sealed at US Business Day in Taipei

Around US$14.55 million in deals spanning potential-laden local sectors such as electronic components, information and communication technology, and medical devices was inked at U.S. Business Day staged by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Aug. 29 in Taipei City. The event featured 150 matchmaking sessions involving representatives from 117 local firms, 15 major U.S. companies and the economic development offices of the states of Hawaii, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Utah. Another highlight of the event was TAITRA’s signing of a memorandum of understanding with Chamber of Commerce Hawaii on strengthening trade ties. Under the pact, the two organizations will promote corporate exchanges, information sharing and reciprocal visits with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, technology and tourism. Launched in 2012 by TAITRA, which is overseen by the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, U.S. Business Day is one of the biggest government-organized events for cultivating trade opportunities between the two countries.

1st national group from Taiwan takes part in global smart city expo

The first national group from Taiwan took part in the Aug. 28-29 Global City Teams Challenge Expo in Washington. Organized by Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency under the National Development Council, the group comprised officials from the six special municipalities of Kaohsiung, New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei and Taoyuan cities in Taiwan proper, as well as outlying Penghu County. The group, which was invited by the American Institute in Taiwan, was joined by private sector partners in showcasing some of the nation’s most innovative smart city solutions. These included New Taipei’s high-tech defense project, Taichung’s smart response and traffic control systems, Tainan’s intelligent parking system, Taoyuan’s citizen card and Penghu’s low-carbon smart island development initiative. This year’s edition of the event involved more than 100 cities and communities worldwide in collaboration with over 300 businesses, government agencies, nonprofits and universities.

Environmental protection pact renewed by Taipei, Washington

An agreement on environmental protection technical cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. was renewed Sept. 19 in Washington. Under the pact, which runs until June 2023, Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will share experiences and knowledge across a broad spectrum of areas. This extends to designing and implementing major projects aimed at making communities and ecosystems diverse, economically productive and sustainable. Following the signing ceremony, officials from the two sides met to review progress of projects implemented under the agreement and discuss plans for future collaboration. Since the pact was first concluded in 1993, Taiwan and the U.S. have pursued a number of globally significant initiatives. These include 2014’s International Environmental Partnership—a network of international experts working together to strengthen capacity for addressing environmental challenges.

Voluntary National Review for SDGs unveiled in New York

Taiwan’s Voluntary National Review on implementation of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was released Sept. 15 in New York. The report details steps taken by the government in reaching the 17 goals of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as Taiwan’s enforcement mechanisms, implementation achievements and related international collaborative experiences. According to report issuer Environmental Protection Administration, the country is a leader in implementing SDGs, particularly across the areas of access to safely managed sanitation services, female political participation, poverty prevention and the provision of universal education and health care. As part of Taiwan’s efforts, the government is working to promote global partnerships and assist other countries in agriculture, education, environmental protection, information and communication technology, and public health.

InterNations ranks Taiwan 4th best destination for expats

Taiwan is the fourth best destination for expatriates in terms of living and working, according to a survey released Sept. 6 by networking service InterNations. Over 12,500 respondents from 166 countries and territories took part in the annual assessment, which placed Taiwan fourth behind Bahrain, Costa Rica and Mexico among 65 economies. The survey assesses satisfaction levels in the key indexes of Ease of Settling In, Family Life, Personal Finance, Quality of Life and Working Abroad. Taiwan finished second in Quality of Life, 12th in Working Abroad, 13th in Family Life, 14th in Personal Finance and 19th in Ease of Settling In.

Curtain comes down on Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade

The 2017 Summer Universiade concluded Aug. 30 at Taipei Stadium with a spectacular ceremony featuring a wide array of dance and music performances. Comprising four themed sections and a colorful light and fireworks show, the event was attended by more than 12,000 people. During the ceremony, Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁‬) thanked the International University Sports Federation (FISU) for its support over the past six years and attributed the success of the event to the joint efforts of Taipei Universiade Organizing Committee and FISU. Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) conveyed his gratitude to police and medical staff, as well as the more than 18,000 volunteers. Taiwan finished third in the Universiade medal count with a record tally of 26 golds, 34 silvers and 30 bronzes.

Education fairs in Indonesia promote study in Taiwan

2017 Taiwan Higher Education Fairs kicked off Aug. 26 in Indonesia, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing academic exchanges with the Southeast Asian nation. Supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and co-organized by nonprofits like Taiwan Education Center Indonesia and Ikatan Citra Alumni Taiwan Indonesia Sumatera Utara, the annual fairs were scheduled for late August in the cities of Jakarta and Medan, as well as Aceh province. A total of 50 Taiwan tertiary institutions participated in the Jakarta and Medan events, while 26 attended the one in Aceh. The fairs were forecast to attract over 8,000 attendees this year, with 4,500 participating in the Jakarta event, according to the MOE.

Formosat-5 satellite launches successfully in US

The first indigenously produced ultra-high resolution Earth observation satellite Formosat-5 was launched Aug. 25 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operated by National Space Organization (NSPO) in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu City, the satellite was carried into a low Earth orbit by Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket and established contact with Svalbard ground station in Norway. According to NSPO, which is administered by the National Applied Research Laboratories under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the successful launch and deployment of Formosat-5 is a credit to the more than 50 academic and industrial groups that worked together for six years to take Taiwan to the stars. Established in 1991, NSPO is dedicated to becoming a center of innovation for space technology, working to establish homegrown space technology and conducting domestic and international space programs.

Taiwan keeps 10th in International Digital Government report

Taiwan maintained 10th in the latest International Digital Government report compiled by Tokyo-based Waseda University in collaboration with the International Academy of Chief Information Officers. Other economies rounding out the top 10 are Singapore in first followed by Denmark, the U.S., Japan, Estonia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the U.K. Released Aug. 3, the annual study assesses the implementation of digital solutions across 10 categories in 65 countries and territories. Taiwan’s best showings were fourth and seventh, respectively, in government chief information officers and digital government promotion. It finished fifth in the Asia-Pacific behind Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, reflecting the success of the open government data policy and efforts to promote e-democracy and information availability.

Exhibition by Taiwan center features in Paris foreign cultures week

An exhibition of works by six Taiwan and one French artist kicked off Sept. 27 in Paris. Organized by Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris under the Ministry of Culture, the event features photographers Cheng Jen-pei, Wang Hsiang-lin and Wu Chuan-lun, installation artist Lin Cheng-wei, and filmmakers Lin Shih-chieh, Niu Jun-quian and France’s Gwenola Wagon. According to the center, the talents explore such topics as historical reflections, social interactions and urban development. The exhibition is staged at Frederic Moisan Gallery as part of 2017 Week of Foreign Cultures in Paris, an annual event aimed at showcasing artistic affinity among the world’s cultures.

Asia-Pacific Culture Day builds ties, spotlights diversity

2017 Asia-Pacific Culture Day got underway Sept. 23 at Taipei Main Station, highlighting government efforts to strengthen ties with Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies and the 18 New Southbound Policy countries. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the two-day annual festival features dance, music and the cuisines of diplomatic allies Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, as well as 13 other Asia-Pacific countries. The event also includes performances by members of the indigenous Amis tribe and other Taiwan groups like Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Art Troupe, National Taiwan College of Performing Arts and National Taiwan University of Arts. According to the MOFA, the festival—now in its sixth year—serves as a valuable platform for fostering cultural exchanges between the people of Taiwan and their counterparts in diplomatic allies and partner nations.

Taiwan movies make international bow at TIFF

Two Taiwan movies were screened overseas for the first time at the Sept. 7-17 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). “The Great Buddha+” by award-winning director Huang Hsin-yao is a 104-minute dark comedy centered on a security guard and his friend that explores the contrasting lives of the rich and the poor. “A Fish Out of Water” by director Lai Kuo-an is a 90-minute domestic fable focused on a family with an unusual child that examines dementia and the meaning of family and value of memories. According to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, the movies showcase the robust creativity found in Taiwan’s filmmaking industry. Founded in 1976, TIFF is one of the largest movie festivals in the world and attracts on average more than 6,000 submissions each year.

Art Truck Shows initiative brings Taiwan culture to Malaysia

Taiwan singers and musical groups performed Sept. 22-23 in Penang, Malaysia, as part of the Art Truck Shows Taiwan initiative. Organized by Taipei City-based nonprofit General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC), the undertaking featured Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Art Troupe; singer-songwriter Enno Cheng; pop vocalist Hsieh Ming-yo; and singer Yen Yung-neng and his musical group Takao Run. According to GACC, all of the talents were selected in an effort to faithfully represent Taiwan’s languages, musical styles and religious customs. The use of mobile stage trucks, a long-established practice for presenting shows in Taiwan, offers Malaysian audiences unique insight into Taiwan’s cultural heritage. Established in 1967, GACC is headed by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and aims to foster cultural awareness and exchanges, as well as facilitate the development of local cultural and creative industries.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe audiences wowed by Taiwan art troupes

Taiwan art troupes wowed audiences with innovative artistic performances at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, according to the Ministry of Culture Aug. 22. Chen-wei Lee and Art B&B, Co-coism, Kuo-shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theatre, Puppet Beings Theatre and Sun Son Theatre delighted festivalgoers at their sold-out shows with a smorgasbord of art forms spanning folk customs, modern dance, puppet arts and theater. Chen-wei Lee and Art B&B’s modern dance piece “Together Alone” was shortlisted for the Total Theatre and The Place Award for Dance by U.K.-based Total Theatre Magazine; Kuo-shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theatre’s “038” was lauded by British daily The Guardian as one of the most exciting dance pieces on the fringe this year; and Sun Son Theatre’s “Heart of Darkness” was described by Scottish online arts and culture magazine The Wee Review as an interesting blend of movement, sound and theater. The Aug. 4-28 Edinburgh Festival Fringe featured over 53,200 performances of almost 3,400 shows, making it one of the highest-profile international platforms for artistic exposure.

Cultural development of cities explored at Taipei Arts Festival

The past, present and future of cities within the context of cultural development is the subject of a series of emotive and thought-provoking performances by artists from Taiwan and countries such as France, Germany, Japan, Portugal and the U.S. at the Taipei Arts Festival. Themed City and its Future, the festival is co-organized by Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Taipei Cultural Foundation. It comprises a multimedia exhibition and 11 programs of dance, music and theater and is being staged Aug. 7 to Sept. 17 at venues across the city like Daan Forest Park Amphitheater, Digital Art Center, Wellspring Theater and Zhongshan Hall. Since its launch in 1998, TAF has grown in size and stature to become one of the most important arts events in the metropolis.

 

Photos: Central News Agency, Chen Mei-ling, Chuang Kung-ju, Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan, General Association of Chinese Culture, MandarinVision, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Office of the President