Taiwan and the U.S. recently concluded a scientific and technological cooperation agreement paving the way for the like-minded partners to create opportunities in core areas such as innovation, research integrity and intellectual property protection.
The pact—signed in Washington by Hsiao Bi-khim, head of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., and Ingrid Larson, managing director of American Institute in Taiwan—was launched Dec. 18 in Taipei City by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Science and Technology Minister Wu Tsung-tsong, Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Chen Chern-chyi and AIT Director Brent Christensen.
Stateside ceremony participants included Keith J. Krach, under secretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment; David R. Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Jonathan Moore, acting assistant secretary of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; and Mung Chiang, science and technology adviser to the secretary.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement is the first under the auspices of last month’s Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Dialogue. It demonstrates that the partnership between the two sides is going from strength to strength, the ministry added.
The government will continue deepening Taiwan-U.S. relations on the basis of such undertakings, the MOFA said, citing this month’s education initiative and women’s livelihood bonds project.
Echoing the ministry’s remarks, the AIT said the pact reaffirms Taiwan’s standing as a trusted U.S. partner adhering to the principles of openness and transparency, as well as upholding the shared values of freedom and democracy.
Elevating cooperation between the two sides promises to deepen mutual understanding and economic ties while contributing to global science and technology communities, the AIT added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “#Taiwan-#US relations are going from strength to strength! The Scientific & Technological Cooperation Agreement is an auspicious 1st tie-up under the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. It will spur innovation & research, boost IP protection & help tackle global issues.” (YCH-E)
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