TaiwanICDF workshops advance New Southbound Policy

2016/11/23

Three workshops aimed at sharing Taiwan’s development experiences with Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states and South Asian countries are underway in Taipei City, highlighting government efforts to expand mutually beneficial exchanges with the regions under the New Southbound Policy.

According to organizer the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), a total of 44 business executives, educators, government officials, industry professionals and scholars from six ASEAN countries as well as India and Sri Lanka are taking part in the events. Held over 11 days, the three seminars focus on agribusiness development, the photovoltaics sector and youth entrepreneurship.

“These inaugural workshops provide an important platform for exchanges between local firms and their counterparts from countries covered by the New Southbound Policy,” said Stephen Lee, director of TaiwanICDF’s International Education and Training Department.

Under the people-centric New Southbound Policy, a core component of President Tsai Ing-wen’s national development strategy, Taiwan is seeking to deepen business, cultural, education and tourism links with ASEAN member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.

Kicking off Nov. 22, the workshop on agribusiness development saw participants learn about relevant business and finance models. TaiwanICDF will also hold a seminar for attendees on agricultural innovation before the conclusion of the event Dec. 2.

Opening the same day, the workshop on youth entrepreneurship comprises fact-finding trips for participants to incubation centers and industrial parks in Taipei, Taichung and Tainan cities in northern, central and southern Taiwan, respectively. Organizers have also scheduled a discussion with local young entrepreneurs in Taipei.

Commencing the day before, the photovoltaics workshop focuses on the development of related technologies in Taiwan and their potential applications. Several leading local firms such as General Energy Solutions Inc. are set to introduce key projects to attendees during their stays in country.

Lee said that the three workshops are the first in a series of such seminars aimed at strengthening ties between Taiwan and South and Southeast Asia. “In response to new government policies and developments in international aid, we plan to roll out similar events next year to enhance collaboration on talent cultivation and industrial tie-ups with these two regions.”

Founded in 1996 by the Republic of China (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, TaiwanICDF is charged with providing aid and technical support to alleviate poverty, strengthen human rights and well-being as well as accelerate social and economic development in partner countries.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=249645&ctNode=2194&mp=9)