Taiwan’s Ten Drum Art Percussion Group is set to perform in India, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates as part of efforts showcasing the nation’s soft power abroad, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oct. 11.
“These countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia are among Taiwan’s top emerging market targets,” MOFA Deputy Minister Vanessa Yea-ping Shih said. “We are cultivating multifaceted exchanges to deepen substantial ties, hoping to further build comprehensive relationships.”
According to Shih, exchanges between Taiwan and the three countries have become more frequent over the years.
“The UAE’s Emirates Airlines announced in August it will begin offering direct flights between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and Dubai in February 2014. And we also signed with Indonesia a memorandum of understanding on jointly developing Morotai Island in December 2012.”
Shih said Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) hosted the EMMA Expo India in Chennai last month, adding that Taipei and New Delhi are also evaluating the possibility of inking an economic cooperation agreement.
“The MOFA is committed to promoting Taiwan’s various arts exhibitions and activities to the international community,” Shih said. “We expect Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, nominated Best Traditional World Music at the 2010 Grammy Award and Best World Traditional Music Album at the 2010 Independent Music Awards in the U.S., will help us enhance cultural exchanges with these three countries.”
Shih said that the group will undoubtedly win many fans during its tour as drums play an important role in the traditional music of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Established in 2000, the group has held over 5,000 performances in 18 countries and 47 cities. The latest tour, which is the first time for the group to perform in India and the UAE, runs Oct. 16-29. (KML-JSM)
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