TaiwanICDF marks 20th anniversary with foreign aid book launch

2016/07/06

Taipei City-headquartered International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) marked its 20th anniversary with the launch July 4 of “Thinking Big to Enhance the World,” a book highlighting the country’s achievements as provider of foreign assistance.

Held simultaneously with the opening of a special exhibition on the contributions of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs-affiliated organization, the event was attended by MOFA Deputy Ministers Javier Ching-shan Hou and Wu Chih-chung, MOFA Vice Minister Leo Chen-jan Lee, former MOFA Ministers Chen Chien-jen, Frederick Chien, James Huang and Tien Hung-mao, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries.

“Once a recipient of foreign aid, Taiwan began giving back to the global community in the 1960s,” Hou said. “Despite challenging conditions at home and abroad when TaiwanICDF was created, the ROC government remained unwavering in its foreign assistance commitment.”

According to Hou, over the past 20 years, the organization has accumulated extensive experiences through projects spanning agriculture, education, environmental protection, information and communication technology, medical care and industrial development. “These remarkable achievements showcase Taiwan’s soft power while helping the nation cement relations with its diplomatic allies and expand international participation,” he said.

The book, which comprises personal stories of TaiwanICDF personnel serving abroad, epitomizes the government’s firm stance on foreign assistance, Hou said. “It also pays tribute to the 39 staffers who lost their lives in the course of performing their duties over the past 50 years.”

In response, Nicaraguan Ambassador to the ROC William Manuel Tapia Aleman expressed his gratitude on behalf of the diplomatic corps to the organization for its dedication and efforts in assisting countries with boosting socio-economic development, enhancing human resources and promoting economic relations. He also praised Taiwan as a model in this regard for developing countries worldwide.

“TaiwanICDF highlights the nation’s democratic accomplishments underpinned by a strong foundation in technology and economic strengths. This raises its standing in the world and enhances its image in the international arena,” Tapia said, adding that Taiwan is now a byword for excellence.

In addition to the Taipei exhibition running through July 15, TaiwanICDF is staging similar events in Hualien, Kaohsiung and Taichung cities in eastern, southern and central Taiwan, respectively, later this month.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=246014&ctNode=2194&mp=9)