MOFA thanks Belgium for passing resolution
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed thanks to Belgium for passing a resolution in support of Taiwan’s democratic development, international participation, and the strengthening of the bilateral cooperation.
The Chamber of Representatives voted on July 16 in favor of a 7 points resolution with 130 members voted in favor, 0 opposed, and 13 abstained.
It urged the Belgian government and European partners to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international bodies such as the WHO, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Brussels should play a leading role in encouraging the European Commission to move toward “strengthening relations between the European Union and Taiwan, to widen the scope of cooperation, and to continue to support Taiwan’s hard-won freedom and democracy,” the resolution said.
MAC advises citizens against traveling to China, Hong Kong, Macao
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) called on Taiwanese nationals to avoid traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, citing the increased risk of prosecution on allegations of violating the Chinese national security law on Hong Kong.
People who support independence for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang; those who are critical of the Chinese Communist Party, the Hong Kong government and the “one country, two systems” concept or who donated to or voiced support for the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill movement, should be alert.
The legislation is not limited to the territory of Hong Kong, its people, or aircraft and ships registered in Hong Kong, but is applicable worldwide, MAC said.
EU to donate vaccines to Taiwan
The European Union (EU) promises a donation of 10,000 vaccines to Taiwan to help in its fight against a disease that has infected livestock in the offshore county of Kinmen.
Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA) recently contacted the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the EU, seeking to buy vaccines against the lumpy skin disease, which was found on cattle farms in Kinmen.
In response to Taiwan's enquiries, the EU promised a donation of 10,000 vaccines to Taiwan to help combat the livestock disease, Premier Su Tseng-chang said.
In addition, the COA has also ordered a batch of vaccines from South Africa and the Netherlands, as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of the disease from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan.
Economy & Society
Taiwan expects highest investment rate in 10 years
Despite economic damage brought by the global coronavirus outbreak, Taiwan is projected to see its highest investment rate in 10 years, according to the National Development Council (NDC)
The NDC estimates the country's investment rate for 2020 to reach 23.44 percent, which would be the highest since 2011. The total amount of foreign investment, not including Chinese investment, increased by 12% from the same period last year, according to data from the Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Taiwan's relatively strong economic forecast is attributed to its successful Covid-19 containment measures, Taiwanese companies moving back from China, while the government's new investment programs have helped fuel domestic investment.
Taiwan’s forex reserves 4th-largest worldwide
Taiwan’s foreign exchange reserves reached a new high, despite the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Central Bank reported.
Taiwan surpassed Saudi Arabia to the 4th place with forex reserves as of April up to US$481.78 billion, China remained 1st (US$3.06 trillion), Japan 2nd (US$1.296 trillion) and Switzerland 3rd (US$791.2 billion).
EVA Air named world's 4th best international airline
Taiwan-based EVA Air was rated the world's fourth best international carrier in 2020, one spot up from last year's ranking, according to Travel+ Leisure magazine earlier this week.
The airline scored 85.67 out of 100 to win recognition in cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service and value, according to the New York-based magazine.
