The MOFA welcomes March 29 the founding by Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada and Australia of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement. (Staff photo/Pang Chia-shan)
 

Taiwan co-founded the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement March 29, joining fellow members New Zealand, Canada and Australia in promoting regional tie-ups based on shared cultural and ethnic heritage.

Initiated during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meetings held in 2021, IPETCA aims to empower indigenous peoples in the Asia-Pacific through cultivating trade and economic opportunities while raising international awareness of related issues, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The MOFA, Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples and Ministry of Economic Affairs completed Taiwan’s eight-month IPETCA consultations in December 2021, the MOFA said, adding that the successful process illustrates the government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of the country’s indigenous peoples.

IPECTA also demonstrates the government’s willingness to play a bigger role in Indo-Pacific, the ministry said. Taiwan will continue working with other APEC economies in addressing related issues impacting the region, the MOFA added.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “It’s a great honor for #Taiwan to join fellow @APEC economies #NewZealand, #Canada & #Australia in founding the Indigenous Peoples Economic & Trade Cooperation Arrangement. #IPETCA promises to deepen linkages & expand exchanges among our people!”

According to the CIP, indigenous peoples have lived in Taiwan for millenniums. The latest statistics reveal that the population of the country’s 16 officially recognized tribes stands at around 575,067, or 2.4 percent of the total 23.5 million. (SFC-E)