New Southbound Policy Portal

The International Ocean Forum on Southeast Asia wrapped up Nov. 27 in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City, spotlighting the government’s commitment to fast-tracking development of the country’s marine industries while deepening cooperation with New Southbound Policy target countries.
 
Organized by the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council and held in the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kaohsiung-based National Sun Yet-sen University, the daylong event was attended by academics, business representatives, experts and officials from countries and territories such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines.
 
Activities included speeches and seminars on implementing circular economy solutions for dealing with ocean waste, the economic value and sustainability of aquaculture, and how Taiwan can work with NSP target countries to boost regional marine industry growth.
 
At the opening ceremony, OAC Deputy Minister Tsai Ching-piao said the forum is one example of the council’s efforts spurring ocean-related R&D. The OAC will continue to work with NSP target countries to foster public-private collaboration and create a mutually beneficial regional marine industry, he added.
 
Another highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between NSYSU College of Marine Sciences and Thailand-based S.I.A Farm Co., Ltd. Under the agreement, the two sides will adopt artificial intelligence technology to improve the efficiency of shrimp farming.
 
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. (YCH-E)
 
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