Cooperation between Taiwan and Fiji in disaster response and emergency medical services took another significant step forward today, as the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji hosted a handover ceremony for a new batch of emergency medical equipment. Representative Joseph Chow formally presented the equipment to the Fiji National Fire Authority (NFA) on behalf of Taiwan’s National Fire Agency, underscoring Taiwan’s continued commitment to supporting Fiji’s emergency preparedness and community resilience.
Growing Cooperation: From Technical Exchanges to Institutional Partnerships
Over the past year, Taiwan–Fiji cooperation in firefighting, pre-hospital emergency care, and disaster management has expanded steadily. In September last year, Fiji’s NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane led a delegation to Taiwan to observe advanced emergency-response technologies, including AI-powered disaster management systems, real-time ambulance tracking, and remote emergency diagnostics. Chow noted that Taiwan hopes these experiences can contribute to Fiji’s efforts to strengthen its pre-hospital medical response system.
In April this year, CEO Sowane returned to Taiwan to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with Taiwan’s National Fire Agency, establishing a formal framework for long-term bilateral collaboration. During the same period, the first cohort of 10 Fijian Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) underwent intensive training in Taiwan, gaining hands-on skills that will support Fiji’s future emergency-response capacity.
Regional Engagement: Expanding Indo-Pacific Disaster-Response Networks
Taiwan’s cooperation has also extended to regional platforms. In September, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency organized a “Specialized Urban Search and Rescue Workshop,” bringing together participants from Fiji, the Philippines, and other Indo-Pacific partners. Chow highlighted that such multilateral training initiatives demonstrate the region’s shared determination to address growing disaster risks and strengthen cross-border cooperation.
Fiji NFA: Donation Strengthens Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
During today’s ceremony, CEO Sowane expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s continued support. He emphasized that the donated emergency medical supplies will directly enhance Fiji’s pre-hospital emergency-care capabilities. He also thanked Taiwan’s National Fire Agency, Changhua Christian Hospital, and all partner institutions for their coordination and support, noting that the bilateral cooperation agreement signed in April has opened the door to deeper collaboration in firefighting, medical response, and disaster rescue.
Taiwan Reaffirms Commitment to a Resilient Fiji
Representative Chow stated that the donated equipment is part of a broader, long-term effort to strengthen Fiji’s emergency-response capacity. He affirmed that Taiwan will continue working closely with Fiji by providing training, equipment, and technical assistance.
“Taiwan is committed to being a reliable and long-term partner for Fiji,” Chow said. “We look forward to expanding our cooperation across more areas and supporting efforts to build safer and more resilient communities.”
