Headline News

President Tsai receives Paraguayan medal of honor

President Tsai Ing-wen was conferred a Paraguayan national medal of honor by President Horacio Cartes on June 28 in Asuncion. Tsai visited both Paraguay and Panama as part of a nine-day trip to diplomatic allies.

“The medal is a great honor and symbolizes Paraguay’s sincere friendship with Taiwan and the value it places on bilateral relations. The two countries have forged deep ties and considerably intensified exchanges over the years”, Tsai said.

Tsai and Cartes also signed a statement reaffirming joint relations and pledging further cooperation in the areas of economy, education, technology and trade. Both countries’ industrial structures are complementary, so expanding bilateral economic and trade relations is important to both sides, Tsai stated.

Taiwan keeping neighbors informed on domestic missile incident

The government is keeping its neighbors informed concerning the accidental anti-ship missile launch on July 1. The Hsiung Feng III missile passed through a Taiwanese fishing boat, without exploding, before flying into the sea. It never crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

Neighboring countries were informed by the government about the incident, making it clear that it was a result of human error during a ship’s training drill. The offices of the Philippines and Vietnam in Taipei were also informed, as nationals of their countries were on board the ship that was hit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the incident occurred accidentally and has no bearing on cross-strait relations or diplomatic policy. Taiwan will remain committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region.

President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her condolences on July 2 to the family of the captain who was killed in the accident and apologized to those who were injured on the ship. She stated the government takes full responsibility and will assist in seeking compensation for the families. She also ordered a full investigation into the accidental launch of the missile.

Taiwan - EU Relations 

Brexit to have limited impact on Taiwan

Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan stated on June 27 that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union is expected to have limited impact on Taiwan. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Central Bank foresee the exit will have little short-term effects on Taiwan, but will keep an eye on possible long-term developments.

Premier Lin Chuan said he saw a crisis as well as an opportunity in the UK’s decision. The UK and Europe are expected to seek closer business ties with Asia to blunt the impact of the UK’s exit, providing Taiwan with possible new business opportunities.

Economics

Taiwan launches website to attract foreign professionals

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced on June 28 the launch of the website “Contact Taiwan” in order to attract highly skilled foreign talent to Taiwan. Job seekers can access the website in Chinese and English to view job opportunities, visa application information, taxation in Taiwan and the general living environment.

Representatives from seven major industry groups have signed letters of intent with the MOEA to indicate that they will consistently provide information to the website regarding their manpower needs. For more information visit: http://www.contacttaiwan.tw/main/index.aspx?lang=2.

Society

AREA Award for Taipei 101

Taipei 101 was awarded the 2016 Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award (AREA) in the category “Green Leadership”, said building operator Taipei Financial Center Corp. (TFC) on June 25.

TFC chairman Zhou De-yu said his company’s management has devoted itself to operating the Taipei 101 in an eco-friendly manner in an effort to make a positive contribution to our planet.

The AREA award program is organized by Enterprise Asia, a non-government organization that aims to create an Asia that uses entrepreneurship to grow towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development.