The Taipei Trade Office in Fiji hosted a reception in celebration of the 109th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the Grand Pacific Hotel on 8 October 2020, attended by more than 100 distinguished guests, including Former Prime Minister, Former First Lady, Party Leaders, Members of Parliament, members of consular coprs, government officials, international organizations, academic circles, overseas Chinese and Taiwanese community.
In her remarks, Representative of Taipei Trade Office Jessica Lee said that this year Taiwan has completed the 15th presidential election, has successfully contained COVID-19, and assisted other countries in fighting against the pandemic. She congratulated Fiji on the 50th anniversary of independence, and highlighted the warm and enduring relationship spanning 50 years, despite some challenges along the way.
Representative Lee said “2020 is a year of unimaginable challenges, but it is also a year showing Taiwan people’s fortitude and resilience in pursuing democracy, freedom and prosperity. We have completed the 15th presidential election and joined other members of the international community to uphold the rights and interests of the people of Hong Kong.”
Representative Lee pointed out “While the global community continues to fight against COVID-19，Taiwan’s success in containing COVID-19 has been praised globally. The robust democratic mechanisms, high civic consciousness, open and transparent information and the mutual trust between the government and people allowed the Taiwan government to impose early prevention measures. Thus, Taiwan was able to share its experience and donated PPE, masks, test kits and other equipment to Fiji and other countries in need.” She praised Fiji for doing tremendously well to contain the transmission of pandemic and ranked the lowest COVID-19 risk country for international travelers.
Representative Lee further added “Our partnership in areas of agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and higher education are essential sectors to mitigate the impacts of social, economic and business disrupts caused by the pandemic. The ongoing farming projects of tropical fruits and cash crops generate jobs and provide food security. We have donated the Ministry of Agriculture tractors, diggers, excavators and other farming equipment, and solar-freezers to the Ministry Fisheries to assist farmers. In addition, Taiwan Fishing company is the sole tuna stock supplier to the PAFCO cannery at Levuka, where it hires over 1,000 employees. It’s another significant cooperation, especially during the COVID-19 era. On top of these projects, the Taiwan Government has injected 3 million dollars to set up a new modern farm from 2020 to 2022. We believe this new project of modern agricultural technology will assist Fiji in the field of agro-industry in the postpandemic era.”
To celebrate the Taiwan-Fiji 50-year partnership and Fiji’s 50th anniversary of its independence this year, the Taipei Trade Office produced a documentary film to dedicate to those who have built and shaped the bilateral relationships. It showcased the historical footage of high-level exchanges of the late Prime Minister and President of Fiji Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the former President Ruta Epeil Ganilau、the former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and ministers’ visits to Taiwan, the establishment of the Sun Yet Sen School, medical missions, scholarship schemes, cultural exchanges, and Taiwan Technical Mission assisted local farmers to grow sugar cane, papaya, dragon fruit, and vegetables. In the film, Fiji’s Former Representative to Taiwan Taina Tagicaibau and farmers shared their profound experiences, which were a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Representative Lee closed her remarks by inviting all the distinguished guests to raise a glass to toast for the continued prosperity for Taiwan and Fiji, and to cut a big cake in celebration of the 109th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
