New Southbound Policy Portal

VP Lai Ching-te (left) learns about Taiwan’s humanitarian assistance efforts in Nepal during a special exhibition at the MOFA Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs Oct. 12 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)
 

Vice President Lai Ching-te said Oct. 12 that the government is proud to support those in need and will continue to show the world how Taiwan Can Help, spotlighting the success of the country’s humanitarian programs abroad.

Compassionate countries earn the respect of the international community, Lai said. It is therefore crucial for Taiwan to offer assistance around the world whenever possible while moving forward with confidence, he added.

Lai made the remarks at the launch ceremony for a special exhibition on Taiwan’s aid to Nepal following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook the Himalayan country in April 2015.

Organized by Taipei City-based Taiwan Alliance in International Development and sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is hosting the exhibition at its Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs in Taipei, the five-day event features maps, photographs and videos detailing Taiwan support for Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction and community development.

According to Lai, Taiwan understands the devastating consequences of earthquakes, having received international assistance after a magnitude 7.3 tremor in the central county of Nantou Sept. 21, 1999, as well as a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in the southern city of Tainan Feb. 6, 2016.

Inspired by the generosity and kindness of Taiwan’s people and nongovernmental organizations in their support for Nepal, Lai added his thanks on behalf of the government and President Tsai Ing-wen for the efforts and dedication of all those involved.

Founded in 2013, Taiwan AID is the nation’s largest platform for NGO exchanges, comprising 28 members working in areas such as education, emergency relief and gender issues. (SFC-E)