Minister Liu Chin-ching of the National Development Council said that he looks forward to further cooperation between Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand in areas spanning economy, trade and green energy technology.
The minister made the remarks at an event Dec. 4 in Taipei City marking the release of the 2024 White Paper by the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. The ANZCham suggested in the document that the three sides should strengthen collaboration in fields of energy transition, medical care and personnel education, which align with the National Project of Hope proposed by President Lai Ching-te, according to the NDC.
Taiwan and Australia share goals of renewable energy development promotion and achievement of net-zero emissions, Liu said, recommending the two sides should expand green energy innovation on the strength of Australia’s low-carbon raw material technology such as green hydrogen. Taiwan would also welcome working with New Zealand on geothermal exploration and research as they are both situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, he added.
Liu went on to note that the Executive Yuan will expand the country’s medical care budget next year, including increasing amounts for a National Health Insurance financial assistance program, and the launch of the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan to cultivate personnel and develop smart medicine. The government will additionally establish a NT$10 billion (US$308.6 million) fund for new cancer treatment drugs, he said.
According to Liu, the government is committed to shaping Taiwan as a bilingual nation and such measures include regulation draft announcement in both Mandarin and English simultaneously. He added that creation of a bilingual environment in hospitals and convenience stores would take place, and that enhancing English communication skills would also help raise cross-border personnel flow.
Liu concluded by saying that the government attaches great importance to the White Paper and will continue working with Australia and New Zealand to create further resilient and innovative cooperation opportunities and positive economic results. (YCH-X)
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