News

CPC Taiwan received first long-term LNG cargo from Cheniere

2021-01-15 Ministy of Economic Affairs

The first LNG cargo from the 25-year LNG SPA between CPC Corporation, Taiwan (“CPC”) and Cheniere Energy (“Cheniere”), the largest exporter of US LNG, has arrived in Taiwan today (10/01/2021) on the Fuji LNG vessel for discharging at the Taichung LNG Terminal. Under the SPA, which was signed back in August 11th, 2018, Cheniere will supply 2 mtpa of LNG (approximately 30 shipments annually) to CPC starting 2021 to 2045.

President Tsai holds video call with US ambassador to UN

2021-01-15 Taiwan Today

President Tsai Ing-wen and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Kelly Craft held a video conference Jan. 14 in which they discussed how the Taiwan Model is leading the world in the fight against COVID-19, according to the Presidential Office.

President Tsai meets with US Ambassador to UN Kelly Craft via videoconference

2021-01-15 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with US Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft via videoconference on the morning of January 14. The president thanked the United States and Ambassador Craft for their staunch support for Taiwan. President Tsai expressed regret that the ambassador was unable to travel to Taiwan on this occasion, but said she hoped to welcome the ambassador to Taiwan in the future. The president also emphasized that Taiwan is a force for good, and that we are able and determined to contribute to the international community. Moving forward, the president said, the people of Taiwan will keep striving to participate in the United Nations and UN-affiliated meetings and events, and continue to show that Taiwan is a vital partner to the world.

TaiwanICDF Partners with Catholic Relief Services to Help Honduras Strengthen Community-Based and Municipal Water and Sanitation Systems

2021-01-15 International Cooperation and Development Fund

In order to sustainably improve and expand water and sanitation services for underserved rural and small urban communities in Honduras, the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) is cooperating with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a renowned international NGO based in Washington, D.C., U.S., to provide technical assistance to local water services providers (WSPs). TaiwanICDF Secretary General Ambassador Timothy T.Y. Hsiang and CRS Honduras Country Representative Conor Walsh signed the cooperation agreement on December 17, 2020 in an online signing ceremony witnessed by H.E. Diego Wen, ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Honduras. This technical assistance project will strengthen the capabilities of local WSPs to operate as financially viable organizations and improve access to water and sanitation services in 150 communities, covering a total population of about 200,000.

Foreign Minister Wu to attend Palau presidential inauguration

2021-01-14 Taiwan Today

President Tsai Ing-wen has named Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu as her special envoy for the inauguration of Palau President-elect Surangel Whipps Jr. and Vice President-elect J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 12.

President Tsai’s response to Pope Francis's 2021 World Day of Peace message

2021-01-14 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen recently sent a letter to Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in response to his message marking the 54th World Day of Peace.

The MoU on Cooperation within the Area of Energy and Minerals Renewed at the 25th Taiwan-Australia Joint Energy and Minerals, Trade and Investment Cooperation Consultations

2021-01-14 Ministy of Economic Affairs

The 25th Taiwan-Australia Joint Energy and Minerals, Trade and Investment Cooperation Consultations (JEMTIC) was held via video-conferencing in the morning on November 12, 2020. The ROC delegation was led by Deputy Minister Tseng Wen-sheng of Economic Affairs and Australian delegation was by Deputy Secretary Sean Sullivan of Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources. In his pre-recorded opening remarks, Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Gee congratulated the renewal of the MoU between Taiwan and Australia; based on this MoU, JEMTIC was the facilitating force of bilateral cooperation.

7th Automatic 30-Day Visa Extensions Announced for Foreigners who have Legally Stayed for 180 Days or More

2021-01-13 Ministry of the Interior

Given the continued severity of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, NIA has decided to provide the 7th automatic extension to foreigners who entered Taiwan before or on March 21, 2020, and have not overstayed their allowed duration of stay (including their initial visa and all previous extensions)

Medical charter flight arrives in Taiwan from Guam

2021-01-13 Taiwan Today

A medical charter flight from Guam touched down at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Jan. 11, spotlighting how Taiwan Can Help during global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Tsai talks with Palauan President-elect Whipps via video call

2021-01-13 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen spoke with President-elect Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau via video call on the morning of January 12. In addition to congratulating President-elect Whipps on his election victory, President Tsai expressed hope that Taiwan and Palau will continue to expand and deepen their partnership.

MOFA welcomes decision to lift restrictions on Taiwan-US official exchanges

2021-01-12 Taiwan Today

The decision to lift restrictions on Taiwan-U.S. official exchanges announced by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is welcomed by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 10.

Taiwan’s exports hit all-time high in 2020

2021-01-12 Taiwan Today

Taiwan’s exports grew 4.9 percent year on year to an all-time high of US$345.28 billion in 2020, while imports rose 0.3 percent to US$286.49 billion, according to the Ministry of Finance Jan. 8.

US ambassador to UN set for Taiwan visit

2021-01-12 Taiwan Today

The forthcoming two-day visit to Taiwan of a delegation led by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Kelly Craft is sincerely welcomed by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Jan. 8.

Continuing to promote industrial cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Japan through overseas offices

2021-01-11 Ministy of Economic Affairs

Against the backdrop of the pandemic in 2020, the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA), the Taiwan Association Machinery Industry (TAMI), and the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) have organized virtual matchmaking meetings and provided our businesses with the latest information on Japanese industries in order to maintain momentum in economic and trade cooperation between Japan and Taiwan. These 3 associations plan to arrange activities this year with more virtual and physical integration that combine the practical experience of exhibitions, strengthen digital marketing, and help Taiwanese manufacturers expand into the Japanese market through multiple channels with the assistance of their offices in Japan.

Unlimited Business Opportunities by the Middle East ICT Trade Promotion Program

2021-01-11 Ministy of Economic Affairs

To expand business opportunities with new emerging markets and facilitate Taiwan’s economic exchanges and cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) has subsidized the Institute for Information Industry (III) in promoting the “Middle East Information and Communication Trade Promotion Program” since 2014.

“Taiwan-ASEAN Smart Industry Cooperation Plan” Facilitates Cooperation and Exchanges with ASEAN Countries

2021-01-11 Ministy of Economic Affairs

To expand business opportunities with new emerging markets and facilitate Taiwan’s economic exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN countries, the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) continues to subsidize the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) in implementing the “Taiwan-ASEAN Smart Industry Cooperation Plan.” Since 2014, the TCA has carried out the plan in Myanmar, and to further facilitate more business opportunities, this plan was expanded to include Singapore in 2019. Expansion of the plan to include other ASEAN countries is intended in 2021.

Commercial demand continues in cross-strait trade while the government helps businesses tap into the global market

2021-01-08 Ministy of Economic Affairs

The industries of mainland China and Taiwan have long-established supply chain relations, and mainland China now relies heavily on Taiwan’s semiconductors and information communication products. The increasing demand for electronics components, ICT products and machinery equipment due to emerging technologies and remote communication applications, as well as the U.S.’ export bans on Huawei have pushed our domestic supply chains to speed up manufacturing, driving Taiwan’s exports across the strait.

Presidential Office congratulates Democratic Party candidate Biden on his election as US president

2021-01-08 Office of the President

The US Congress certified the results of the recent presidential election on January 7 (US EST), confirming Democratic Party candidates Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala Harris as president-elect and vice president-elect of the United States. Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said that President Tsai Ing-wen offered her sincere congratulations on behalf of Taiwan’s government and people to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on their election victory. President Tsai looks forward to smooth policy implementation, national development, greater prosperity, and the continued deepening of Taiwan-US relations under the incoming Biden administration.

Taipei Performing Arts Center named one of ‘most anticipated buildings’ by CNN Style

2021-01-08 Ministry of Culture

Taipei Performing Arts Center (TPAC) has been selected by CNN Style, a website that mainly covers design and architecture topics, one of its “most anticipated buildings opening or completing in 2021.”

DGE ranks Taiwan 6th globally, 1st in Asia for gender equality

2021-01-07 Taiwan Today

Taiwan moved up three spots to sixth globally and retains its position as top in Asia based on data used to compile the most recent U.N. Gender Inequality Index, according to the Executive Yuan's Department of Gender Equality Jan. 5.

MOHW Minister Chen stages virtual with Slovenia PM

2021-01-07 Taiwan Today

A virtual on COVID-19 issues took place Jan. 6 between Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung and Slovenia Prime Minister and acting Minister of Health Janez Jansa, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Issuance of the Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Coin Set for the Xin Chou Year of the Ox

2021-01-07 Central Bank

The Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will issue a coin set for the Xin Chou Year of the Ox, the fifth set of the third series of the Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Coin Set.

Eight Projects being Jointly Undertaken by Universities in Austria and Taiwan Selected for Funding

2021-01-06 Ministry of Education

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) in Vienna signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of higher education in 2019, and each of the parties is providing funding to support the development and implementation of cooperative international collaboration and activities between universities, and higher education and research institution in each country.

Establish the Global Influence by a new generation of academic research

2021-01-06 Ministry of Science and Technology

The Executive Yuan 11th National Science and Technology Conference ended successfully in December 2020. There are many important consensuses of topic in conclusion. In the aspect of “Talent and Value Creation”, the consensus focus on to develop human capital and to cultivate the international talents in key fields. The policy goal is to outline technology vision of Taiwan including innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

Report: Taiwan tops Asian countries in gender equality

2021-01-06 Executive Yuan

In the 2021 Gender at a Glance in R.O.C. (Taiwan) report published Tuesday by the Executive Yuan’s Department of Gender Equality (DGE), Taiwan moved up three notches this year to place sixth globally and first in Asia. The rankings are based on five indicators in the three dimensions of productive health, empowerment and the labor market as used by the U.N. Development Programme to compile the 2019 Gender Inequality Index.

Premier reflects on 2020’s successful COVID-19 response

2021-01-05 Executive Yuan

Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday said the Cabinet’s policy decisions early on in the COVID-19 outbreak ensured the safety and welfare of the people of Taiwan for the entire year. He encouraged the Cabinet team to continue promoting policies in the new year that will benefit the people's welfare and push Taiwan ahead.

ROC (Taiwan) nationals eligible for Russia’s e-visa program

2021-01-05 Taiwan Today

Effective today, ROC (Taiwan) nationals can apply for Russia’s electronic visa under the business and tourism categories, granting access to all regions of the world’s largest country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 5.

The University of Pittsburgh Establishes new Taiwan Studies Program

2021-01-05 Ministry of Education

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and the University of Pittsburgh have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a new Taiwan Studies program at the university’s Asian Studies Center. The 3-year program is called Centering Taiwan in Global Asia. It’s designed to examine Taiwan’s crucial role in the globalization of modern Asia from historical, cultural, political, economic and socio-developmental perspectives. Taiwan’s own development has been shaped by diverse historical and cultural influences so it can be viewed as a microcosm of the forces driving the development of modern Asia.

2021 Taipei International Book Exhibition to integrate physical and virtual events

2021-01-04 Ministry of Culture

The Taipei International Book Exhibition (TiBE) 2021 will start on Jan. 26 and last until Jan. 31 at Exhibition Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center.

NDC forecasts Taiwan’s GDP to grow 3.8-4.2 percent in 2021

2021-01-04 Taiwan Today

Taiwan’s gross domestic product is forecast to increase by between 3.8 and 4.2 percent in 2021 on the back of successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic and a growing local economy, according to the National Development Council.

Reaching a new milestone with the January 2, 2021 launch of a new UI No. format for foreign nationals, promoted by the National Development Council in coordination with the National Immigration Agency, Ministry of the Interior

2021-01-04 National Development Council

The National Development Council (NDC) has for years past been coordinating a solution to the problem of inconsistency between the numbering of Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs) and the numbering of citizens’ ID cards. Now, at last, this problem will be solved with the introduction of a new uniform identity number (UI No.) format for foreign nationals, consistent with the format of national ID cards, marking a new milestone in creating a friendly environment for foreign nationals in Taiwan. The Ministry of the Interior’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) will start to issue the new UI No.’s from today – January 2, 2021 – and Taiwan’s foreign residents will in the future be able to use the new numbers to smoothly conduct all kinds of daily transactions such as booking public transport tickets, shopping online, and applying for certifications.

President Tsai delivers 2021 New Year’s Address

2021-01-01 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen delivered her 2021 New Year’s Address on the morning of January 1 in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office Building. She thanked all citizens for uniting to combat the pandemic, helping Taiwan achieve what the whole world has been longing for: a normal lifestyle. As president, she said her most important responsibility in 2021 is to ensure that everyone can lead a normal life, and that we move forward with the global economic recovery. In complex and ever-changing global circumstances, she said, Taiwan will stay resilient and overcome the many challenges we face.

CECC announces adjustments to regulations for foreign nationals entering Taiwan beginning January 1, 2021, in response to continued spread of COVID-19 pandemic

2020-12-31 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Given the continued severity of COVID-19 worldwide and in order to secure domestic antipandemic efforts and ensure public health, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announces that beginning January 1, 2021, at 00:00 (local time at the airport of departure), entry restrictions and quarantine regulations for foreign nationals will be tightened.

MOFA stages youth leadership seminar in Taipei

2020-12-31 Taiwan Today

A seminar on challenges and opportunities for the younger generations amid COVID-19 was staged Dec. 29 in Taipei City as part of government efforts to foster the development of next-generation leaders.

MOFA thanks US President Trump for signing into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, including bill language of the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 and funding for the GCTF

2020-12-31 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and expresses gratitude for the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 that US President Donald Trump signed into law on December 27. The bill included language of the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 and US$3 million in funds for the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF). This serves as testament to the robust US support for Taiwan-US relations.

Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung participated in the High Level Segment of “4 Per 1000 Initiative Day” held in conjunction with the UNFCCC COP

2020-12-30 Council of Agriculture

Council of Agriculture (COA) Minister Chen Chi-chung was invited by the Consortium of the “4 Per 1000 Initiative: Soils for Food Security and Climate”, as one of the founding members to participate in the 5th Partners Forum via video conference, on December 9 at 7:00 in the evening., which was held in conjunction with the conference of the parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At the meeting Minister Chen explained Taiwan’s efforts and achievements with respect to preserving soil health and coping with climate change, and displayed Taiwan’s determination to work with other countries to collectively promote sustainable agricultural development.

President Tsai presides over 14th Meeting of Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee

2020-12-30 Office of the President

The 14th meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee convened on December 29, the first meeting of the third-term Committee. Committee convener President Tsai Ing-wen presided, and was accompanied by deputy convener Vice President Lai Ching-te for the approximately one-and-a-half-hour meeting.

Taiwan remains 3rd in latest BERI global investment report

2020-12-30 Taiwan Today

Taiwan retained its third spot ranking among 50 major economies surveyed in the latest Profit Opportunity Recommendation report by U.S.-based Business Environment Risk Intelligence SA.

Majority age lowered to 18 in Taiwan

2020-12-29 Taiwan Today

Civil Code amendments to lower the age of majority and standardize the legal engagement and marriage ages for men and women passed the final Legislative reading Dec. 25, marking a milestone in government efforts to promote the rights of the country’s youth.

Presidential Office thanks US government for continued support and strengthening Taiwan-US cooperative partnership

2020-12-29 Office of the President

President Donald J. Trump formally signed the US federal government's Consolidated Appropriations Act for the 2021 fiscal year on December 27 (US EST), which includes the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 and also authorizes US$3 million for the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).

TaiwanICDF and National Chung Cheng University Establish an Online Master's Program for Officials from Taiwan’s Allied and Partner Countries

2020-12-29 International Cooperation and Development Fund

Amb. Timothy T. Y. Hsiang, secretary general of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), and Dr. Zhang-Hua Fong, president of National Chung Cheng University, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to jointly establish the Online Master's Program of Education and School Leadership. As education has gradually moved towards online courses due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this online master's program will provide another channel for officials from Taiwan’s allied and partner countries to obtain master’s degrees, and simultaneously solve the problem of officials being unable to leave their jobs for extended periods of time.

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