President Tsai Ing-wen said Oct. 11 that Taiwan will continue deepening links with New Southbound Policy target countries and other like-minded partners to ensure Indo-Pacific prosperity.
The president made the remarks while delivering her opening address for the two-day Yushan Forum in Taipei City. This year’s event, titled “Start a New Blueprint for Asian Development,” aims to explore innovative and inclusive ways for the region to adapt and thrive amid current challenges.
In her speech, Tsai lauded the unprecedented heights Taiwan’s economic cooperation with NSP countries has reached in recent years. In 2022, total trade volume exceeded US$180 billion, while exports to NSP countries hit nearly US$97 billion, reflecting a respective growth of 88 percent and 64 percent since 2016, she said.
Over the same period, Taiwan’s banks have established 70 percent more branches, and ten new medical centers are in the works in seven Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, Tsai said. Tourism and academic exchanges have also increased considerably, with many students from ASEAN countries and India choosing to study in Taiwan, the president added.
According to Tsai, Taiwan’s free and democratic society has shown remarkable resilience despite the rapidly changing global landscape. With Taiwan’s technology and manufacturing expertise, it has become indispensable to global supply chains, leading countries around the world to speak up for Indo-Pacific peace and stability, she said.
Tsai concluded by expressing her sincere gratitude to all who have supported Taiwan and vowed that the country will continue to contribute as a responsible member of the international community.
The annual Yushan Forum serves as a platform for Taiwan to hold diverse regional dialogues with regional neighbors and advance Indo-Pacific priorities in cooperation with NSP countries. Over 3,000 people have taken part since its launch in 2017, including more than 230 international leaders, experts and academics from 26 countries.
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to reinforce Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 ASEAN member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
Source: October 11, 2023, Taiwan Today
