A new Taipei economic and cultural office began operating Oct. 16 in Milan, marking a milestone in the Taiwan-Italy relationship, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During a reception celebrating the event in the Italian city, a recorded video message was delivered by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, who praised expanding bilateral exchanges over recent years in academia, culture, industry, technology and trade.
Wu also said the Italian Parliament had passed three resolutions last year that urged its government to closely monitor the cross-strait situation together with Indo-Pacific developments and to support Taiwan’s global participation.
The minister said Italy is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner in the EU and anticipates the new office will bring two-way trade exchanges to a new height. The robust partnership is seen in the decision by semiconductor firm GlobalWafers Co. Ltd. to establish operations in northern Italy, while EVA Airways Corp. launched a new passenger service between Taipei and Milan in October of 2022, he added.
According to the ministry, the new facility will provide services to Taiwan tourists and expatriates in eight northern Italian regions. It will closely work with Rome-based Taipei Representative Office in Italy to enhance collaboration between the two countries across the board, the MOFA added.
Source : October 17, 2023 Taiwan Today
