A shipment of Love from Taiwan medical supplies awaits distribution May 2 in New Southbound Policy target country India. (MOFA)
 

A shipment of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders from Taiwan touched down May 2 in India, underscoring the government’s commitment to helping the New Southbound Policy target country combat COVID-19.

Taiwan is seriously concerned about the coronavirus situation in India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. A close eye is being kept on the latest developments so as to ensure all requisite assistance can be provided at a time of great need, the MOFA added.

In a tweet on the MOFA’s official Twitter account, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said “Love from #Taiwan has arrived in #India. We’re working hard to send more. #StayStrongIndia!” He earlier tweeted “These oxygen concentrators & cylinders are love from #Taiwan. More help for our friends in #India is on the way. #IndiaStayStrong!”

According to the ministry, the Love from Taiwan shipment involved coordinated efforts among the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Health and Welfare, as well as local medical institutions and private sector partners.

At the same time, the MOFA said, Taipei Economic and Cultural Centers in India and Chennai are in close contact with the 100-plus (ROC) Taiwan nationals remaining in country and will provide them with all necessary support.

India’s struggles with managing the pandemic spotlight the importance and urgency of regional and global collaboration in fighting infectious diseases while realizing the World Health Organization’s goal of Health for All, the ministry said. Taiwan will continue standing shoulder to shoulder with India, and sharing related know-how and medical resources, the MOFA added.

The NSP is a key plank in the government’s national development strategy. It aims to enhance 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. (SFC-E)