President Lai Ching-te said April 17 that Taiwan is committed to deepening economic cooperation with New Zealand to boost the two sides’ industries as they adapt to evolving global challenges.
Lai made the remarks while meeting a delegation from New Zealand’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan led by Members of Parliament Stuart Smith and Tangi Utikere April 17 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
The president first thanked New Zealand’s government for reiterating the importance of cross-strait peace and stability on multiple occasions. He added that Taiwan looks forward to exploring more diverse markets with the Oceanian partner and deepening collaboration in areas spanning biomedicine, clean energy, digital economy, food manufacturing, smart agriculture and exchanges among Indigenous groups following the complete implementation of the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Cooperation this year.
Taiwan and New Zealand both value democracy, freedom and human rights, Lai said. He anticipated that more frequent parliamentary exchanges and mutual visits would further solidify the two sides’ democratic partnership.
In response, Smith stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and mutual security, citing the recent passage of a New Zealand naval vessel through the Taiwan Strait. He expressed hope of strengthening bilateral trade ties and advancing mutual assistance, with New Zealand sharing its geothermal energy and communications technology and Taiwan sharing its technological expertise.
Following his remarks, Utikere highlighted the fruitful meetings between delegation members and Taiwan’s ministers, lawmakers and nongovernmental organization representatives during the current trip. He added that they enjoyed visiting Wulai Atayal Museum in New Taipei City and gained a deeper insight into the connections between the Indigenous peoples of Taiwan and Aotearoa New Zealand. (YCH-E)
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