NCDR Director Chen Hongey (center), Kohalpur Mayor Lut Bahadur Rawat (left) and Baijanath Rural Mayor Man Bahadur Ruchal Thakuri display the agreement on disaster prevention and preparedness cooperation March 27 in New Taipei City. (Courtesy of NCDR)

A memorandum of understanding on disaster prevention and preparedness cooperation was concluded between the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) and the Nepalese municipalities of Baijanath Rural and Kohalpur March 27 in New Taipei City.
 
Under the pact, the facility overseen by the Ministry of Science and Technology will assist the cities through organizing training programs and transferring modern equipment. Technologies included in the agreement span earthquake monitoring systems and online platforms for public information updates.
 
According to the NCDR, the accord underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the regional disaster prevention and management network in line with the New Southbound Policy.
 
NCDR Director Chen Hongey said that Taiwan has made great strides in the field in recent decades due to extensive public-private sector cooperation. Technology now plays a key role in each phase of Taiwan’s disaster management process, from prevention to response, and the nation is committed to sharing related strategies and advances, he added.
 
Kohalpur Mayor Lut Bahadur Rawat described the pact as a crucial move in addressing his city’s urgent need for modern disaster management systems and training. Taiwan boasts great expertise in the area, he said, adding that he expects the agreement to deliver significant improvements in his municipality’s capabilities.
 
A key plank in the government’s national development policy, the NSP is enhancing Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade relations with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (CPY-E)