The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau, the ROC’s renamed representative office in the former Portuguese colony, was officially unveiled July 19 by Mainland Affairs Council Minister Lai Shin-yuan.
“The renaming of the office represents a significant development of bilateral ties and ushers in a new era of cooperation,” Lai said during the ceremony. “The new office also ensures better services for the people of Taiwan and Macau.”
Lai said improving Taipei-Macau relations are a benefit stemming from the peaceful development of cross-strait ties. “The office will also play a key role in contributing to Taiwan’s expanding exchanges with Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China.”
The new name, which reflects the true status and functions of the office, affords the ROC government greater opportunities to promote Taiwan in the mainland Chinese special administrative region, the MAC said. Greater exchanges can now be expected in the areas of culture, education, food safety, public health, tourism and trade, according to the MAC.
In addition, both sides will explore avenues for closer cooperation across a variety of fields such as judicial cooperation and crime fighting. Taiwan and Macau have been working closely on these key issues for several years, the MAC added.
Following the announcement of the renaming July 4, ROC officials were afforded treatment befitting their upgraded status. They joined the ranks of diplomatic corps members from around the world in enjoying extended periods of residence and exemptions from salary taxes and visa service charges.
As part of the renaming agreement, Macau is expected to set up an economic and cultural office in Taiwan within the next six months, said Tan Junrong, Macau SAR Government spokesman.
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw