In response to the “ Diplomatic Allies Prosperity ” project and the concept of “Comprehensive Diplomatic Strategy“ proposed by ROC (Taiwan) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, an investment delegation from the Asian Chamber of Commerce, led by the President of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, Lee Tian-chi, and the President of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Lin Kai-min, visited Palau from September 2 to 5, 2024. Mdm. Legislator Lo Mei-ling accompanied the delegation. The delegation was received at the airport by Minister Counsellor Franklin Chen and Secretary Harvey Lo from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau, along with representatives from the Palau Chamber of Commerce and the Palau Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce.
The delegation met with President Surangel Whipps Jr. and attended a roundtable and investment briefing hosted by the President. They also conducted on-site visit of investment locations and visited the Taiwan Technical Mission’s Aquaculture Center. Additionally, the delegation attended a dinner hosted by Ambassador Jessica Lee, a welcome dinner by the Palau government, a banquet with Reklai and Governors Association, and a signing ceremony and luncheon for the Palau Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce joining the Asian Chamber of Commerce. The delegation also toured the legendary and breath-taking Rock Islands. President Whipps, Vice President Uduch Sengebau Senior, Speaker of the House Anastacio, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Finance Caleb Udui, Jr., and Minister of Tourism Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl met with the delegation multiple times. President Whipps personally hosted the roundtable and investment briefing on September 3, 2024. He shared his vision of developing the Malakal Island into a high-end tourism destination and hoped for Taiwan’s participation . The Taiwanese business representatives discussed various investment opportunities, including hotel renovations, introducing international chain brands, assisting Palau in developing international flight routes and cruise lines, introducing duty-free shops, increasing solar energy storage systems, sea salt and fish feed production, and land development. They exchanged enthusiastic views with President Whipps and Palauan officials.
President Whipps expressed his gratitude for Minister Lin’s vision and action. He mentioned that he had met with the delegation in Taipei on May 19, 2024 to discuss investment inspections and was pleased to meet them again in Palau, demonstrating the proactive nature of Taiwanese people. Ambassador Jessica Lee stated that since Minister Lin took office, he has proposed the “ Diplomatic Allies Prosperity ” project and the concept of “Comprehensive Diplomatic Strategy” promoting “Invest in Palau” and Palau tourism “Vacation in Palau”. Minister Lin invited the World and Asian Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce to conduct investment visit in Palau, hoping to strengthen the economic and trade partnership between Taiwan and Palau.
President Lee of World Chamber of Commerce stated that the priority is to promote Palau tourism. Since 27 members of the World Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce operate travel agencies, he has been promoting Palau at relevant Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce events. The World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce will hold its annual meeting in Taiwan on September 27, 2024], where Palau tourism and investment will be introduced to all attending Taiwanese business representatives again. President Lin of Asian Chamber of Commerce expressed his full support for expanding investments in Palau, emphasizing that Taiwanese investments differ significantly from Chinese investments, which rarely consider local development. Taiwanese businesses, on the other hand, deeply root themselves in the local community, not only bringing prosperity but also creating job opportunities.
The delegation also visited the Capitol Building, the beautiful state of Melekeok, and enjoyed a luncheon hosted by Reklai. On September 4, they toured the Rock Islands and attended a dinner hosted by the Governors Association in Airai State, where they enjoyed traditional dances, visited the traditional Bai, and had a karaoke session, fostering a joyful atmosphere.
This delegation marks the first visit of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce to Palau since Minister Lin proposed the “ Diplomatic Allies Prosperity ” project, symbolizing a significant milestone in Taiwan-Palau relations. The delegation members were impressed by Palau’s beautiful island scenery, rich cultural and tourism resources, and the warm hospitality of the Palauan government and people. Both sides agreed that this visit was a significant step towards investing in Palau, looking forward to continued exchanges and cooperation to achieve fruitful investment results.(E)
