Taiwan commits to APEC development initiative

2015/09/08

A memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting human security and regional economic integration was signed by Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat Sept. 6 in the Philippines, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the memorandum, Taiwan pledges a contribution of US$700,000 through 2015 to the APEC support fund and policy support unit, playing an instrumental role in implementing a diverse array of forum initiatives.

Hsu Pei-yung, Taiwan’s representative to the Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in Cebu, said the memorandum underscores the nation’s commitment to the shared objective of inclusive growth.

“Broaching such areas as human security, trade and technology, the support fund will build the capability of APEC members in mitigating common threats while advancing economic integration.

“This is in addition to Taiwan’s push in recent years to enhance disaster relief, energy security, food safety and innovative economic development for women,” Hsu said. “We expect to step up the efforts going forward and play our part in bridging the knowledge and resource gaps.”

According to APEC Secretariat data, 100 projects are funded each year in line with organization objectives. A total of US$9 million was spent in 2014 on research, technical workshops and training sessions in this regard.

Taiwan is currently leading the way in strengthening natural disaster resilience, applying big and open data to boost emergency preparedness as well as typhoon and flood risk management.

Promoting business continuity for small and medium enterprises in APEC economies driving cross-border production and supply chains is another area of focus for Taiwan. Taipei is set to host the APEC Accelerator Network Summit and Global Challenge for Early Stage Investment in October, bringing together the region’s top SME officials, private investors and next-generation entrepreneurs.

The APEC Secretariat said it appreciates Taiwan’s participation and looks forward to closer collaboration benefiting the peoples of the region moving ahead.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=234659&ctNode=2194&mp=9)