This year’s U.S. and Canada Visitor Leadership Program, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand relations with the two North American countries, concluded Aug. 22.
According to the MOFA, a group comprising 10 trade officials and business leaders from both countries joined the program Aug. 13-22 in Taiwan. A central topic was the exploration of new trade and economic opportunities.
During their stay in Taiwan, participants called at the National Development Council and the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Finance in Taipei, as well as Kaohsiung City Government, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, and trade and civic organizations to better understand developments in Taiwan’s economy and society.
The group also attended a discussion with the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association; visited the Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park and Taiwan Startup Terrace in Kaohsiung; and took part in culture tours in Tainan and Kaohsiung.
During a banquet hosted Aug. 20 at MOFA headquarters, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi encouraged state- and provincial-level governments from the two countries to set up offices in Taiwan to expand cooperation on education and trade.
In response, program participants expressed a keen interest in enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation with Taiwan and expanding exchanges in sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy, education, talent cultivation and technical skills.
Launched by the MOFA in 2022, the program aims to deepen collaboration with Canada and the U.S. across the board. The ministry said it will continue to follow its policy of integrated diplomacy to promote global partnerships. (SFC-E)
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