President Lai Ching-te and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. witnessed the signing of a joint statement promoting investment and tourism in Taiwan’s Pacific ally Sept. 27 in the southern city of Kaohsiung, according to the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement was inked by Lee Tien-chi, head of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, and David Adams Orrukem, Palau’s ambassador to Taiwan, during the Taipei City-based WTCC’s annual meeting. It was facilitated by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, the MOFA said, adding that the WTCC will help boost tourism in Palau and urge members to investigate commercial opportunities there, while the Palau government will provide relevant policy support.
During the event, Lai welcomed Whipps’ two-day visit and thanked him for supporting Taiwan and speaking up for the country’s right to participate in international organizations. The president also encouraged WTCC members to experience Palau’s beauty in person and explore potential business avenues.
In response, Whipps thanked Taiwan for its continuous support for Palau’s economic and tourism development, adding that he looks forward to deepening trade cooperation with Taiwan businesses. He expressed hope of further strengthening bilateral friendship as the two countries celebrate 25 years of official ties and Palau marks its 30th anniversary of independence.
Lin also took the opportunity to express appreciation to Whipps for his remarks backing Taiwan during the U.N. General Assembly Sept. 23 in New York City, during which the Palau president advocated for Taiwan’s right to take part in international organizations including Interpol, U.N. specialized agencies and the World Health Organization.
According to the PO, Lai thanked the WTCC for promoting Taiwan’s international participation during the event. He additionally called on chamber members to increase investment in Taiwan, citing the country’s top ranking for four consecutive years among economies with a population of over 20 million in the 2024 World Competitiveness Yearbook published by Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development.
Situated in the first island chain, Taiwan is firmly committed to defending democracy and the rule of law, Lai said, adding that investment in Taiwan aligns with the needs of democracies worldwide. (YCH-E)
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