Taipei Trade Office in Fiji celebrates 114th National Day and Fiji’s 55th Independence Anniversary

The Taipei Trade Office in Fiji hosted a grand reception at the Grand Pacific Hotel to commemorate two historic milestones: the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the 55th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Fiji.

The celebration brought together former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, some members of Parliament, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests from the public and private sectors.

In his address, Taipei Trade Office Representative Joseph Chow expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their presence, noting that the occasion symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared aspirations between Taiwan and Fiji.

He says October 10 is not only Taiwan’s National Day but also the day Fiji proudly achieved its independence in 1970.

Representative Chow says sharing this anniversary reminds them of the common values—freedom, dignity, and prosperity—and of the strong bond that unites the people.

He also highlighted Taiwan’s remarkable democratic transformation and economic success, describing it as one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies and a vital hub in global innovation and supply chains.

He further emphasized that Taiwan’s progress extends beyond economic growth as development is not only measured in industry but is reflected in our willingness to share, to cooperate, and to stand with their friends.

Representative Chow underscored Taiwan’s close partnership with Fiji in key sectors that have yielded tangible results: • Agriculture and Aquaculture: The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) has worked hand in hand with Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for decades. The establishment of the Centre for Agricultural Technology Transfer (CATT) in Nausori in 2024—with its advanced tissue culture laboratory and solar-powered greenhouse—has enhanced productivity, resilience, and sustainability for Fijian farmers. • Healthcare: Through collaboration between Taiwan’s MacKay Memorial Hospital and Nadi Hospital, medical missions and professional training have strengthened Fiji’s healthcare system. The launch of the “SOVA NI BULA” digital platform marks a milestone in improving the management of non-communicable diseases. • Education: The MOFA Taiwan Scholarship program enables Fijian students to pursue higher education in Taiwan in fields such as engineering, environmental science, and journalism—preparing future leaders who serve as bridges of friendship between both nations. • Disaster Preparedness and Clean Energy: Taiwan has assisted Fiji in disaster management training and solar energy projects, bringing renewable power to remote communities and improving resilience to climate change.

Chow also reaffirmed Taiwan’s dedication to peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific, stating that Fiji has long championed the vision of an ‘Ocean of Peace’—a call for dialogue and stability across our shared waters.

He says Taiwan fully shares this vision, stressing Taiwan’s commitment to peaceful cross-Strait relations and to upholding a free, open, and rules-based regional order.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry lauded the long-standing and deeply rooted friendship between Fiji and Taiwan.

He noted that since the establishment of Taiwan’s representative office in Suva in 1971, the two sides have enjoyed fruitful cooperation, particularly in agriculture and aquaculture, which has “greatly benefited Fiji’s development and met the practical needs of its government and people.

Chaudhry commended Taiwan’s steadfast engagement with the Pacific, highlighting the February 2025 cooperation agreement between Taiwan and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat to support the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s Office (OPOC)—a clear testament to Taiwan’s enduring commitment to Pacific regionalism.

He further emphasized that Taiwan’s significant contributions to Fiji’s agricultural and economic development deserve proper recognition, urging Fiji to “acknowledge Taiwan’s tangible contributions and enduring friendship, and take steps to affirm their diplomatic standing and strong bilateral relations.