CIP Minister Icyang Parod (back row, seventh right) is all smiles alongside business representatives, experts and officials at the 2019 International Indigenous Economic Development Forum Dec. 15 in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City. (Courtesy of CIP)
An international indigenous economic development forum kicked off Dec. 15 in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City, bringing together 200-plus business representatives, experts and officials from home and abroad to discuss the latest trends, market opportunities and policy approaches.
Hosted by the Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples, the three-day event consists of keynote speeches, workshops, visits to local enterprises and a trade fair. Participants hail from countries and territories far and wide including Canada, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand and Thailand.
At the opening ceremony, CIP Minister Icyang Parod said the forum spotlights the soft power and business potential of Taiwan’s aboriginal groups. It also helps raise public awareness of indigenous economic development while deepening commercial connections with regional neighbors in line with the New Southbound Policy, he added.
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
Highlight keynote speakers at the forum include Digital Minister Audrey Tang and Tina Wilson, director of Maori Business under the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise agency, with several workshops also planned focusing on advancing food and agriculture innovation, fostering cross-border e-commerce markets, promoting micro-finance and mutual e-finance networks, establishing social businesses and youth startups, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Other activities scheduled include fact-finding trips to Google’s local office and Taiwan Tech Arena in Taipei City, as well as Raisinay Dyeing and Weaving Crafts Park in the northern country of Miaoli. (YCH-E)
