The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) have reinforced their longstanding partnership with the signing of a new Cooperation Agreement to support the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) from 2025 to 2027. The agreement, signed by Mr. Joseph Chow, Representative of the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji, and Deputy Secretary-General Esala Nayasi on behalf of PIFS, marks a significant step in regional efforts toward sustainable ocean governance. The signing ceremony, held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, was witnessed by Dr. Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner.
Under this agreement, Taiwan will provide USD 1.045 million over the next three years to enhance OPOC’s initiatives in key areas, including:
- Building influential ocean affairs capabilities
- Strengthening youth participation and ocean initiatives
- Innovative financing to support sustainable ocean management
- Promoting ocean literacy
These efforts align with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a regional blueprint for ocean sustainability and resilience, and reflect Taiwan’s enduring commitment to the well-being and development of the Pacific region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Representative Joseph Chow emphasized the significance of this agreement as a new milestone in Taiwan’s partnership with PIFS. “The ocean connects and sustains us all. Since 2010, the Pacific Islands Forum has led efforts to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen ocean governance. Taiwan is proud to support these initiatives and to work alongside Pacific nations in tackling climate change, safeguarding marine resources, and promoting a sustainable blue economy,” he said.
Representative Chow reiterated Taiwan’s strong support for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, highlighting the importance of expertise building, youth empowerment, financial innovation, and marine literacy. He also reaffirmed Taiwan’s broader contributions to the region in areas such as economic growth, education, agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, and climate adaptation.
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimon Manoni expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s continued support. “Taiwan, as a Development Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, has played a crucial role in strengthening OPOC’s functions. This new agreement is a strong endorsement of our shared vision for a resilient and thriving Blue Pacific,” he said. Dr. Manoni underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, fisheries management, and marine sustainability, emphasizing that Pacific nations must work together to ensure a sustainable future for the region’s oceans.
Established in 2010 under the Framework for Pacific Oceanscape, OPOC plays a pivotal role in implementing sustainable ocean governance strategies for the Pacific Islands Forum. In 2023, the office expanded its functions to further advance the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The signing of this agreement reflects Taiwan’s steadfast support for the Pacific and reaffirms its role as a dedicated partner in achieving sustainable development and resilience in the region.
