Taiwan reaffirms commitment handing over USD$2Million to PIF of cooperation agreement funds

The government of Taiwan reaffirms its commitment to the Pacific and hands over US$2 million of cooperation agreement funds for the years 2022 and 2023 to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

The Representative of the Trade Office of Taiwan/Republic of China, Joseph Chow, highlighted this adding Taiwan’s unwavering dedication to the progress of Pacific Island countries saying it symbolises a pivotal step in deepening Taiwan’s partnership with PIF and reflects our longstanding support for regional development, particularly the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Dr. Filimoni Manoni, received and acknowledged the contributions of the government of Taiwan over the years.

Dr. Manoni says the development cooperation assistance will ensure the continued support of the Pacific region’s efforts to respond to the development priorities as articulated in their 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific continent.

In response, Chow says they are delighted to extend their resolute support to PIF under this strategy, wholeheartedly embracing the Pacific Way of fostering continuous communication and collaboration for the betterment of the people in the island nation."

Taiwan has been a developing partner of the PIF cooperative project since 1993, and as of 2023, the accumulated sponsorship funds injected into the project amount to approximately US$27,770,000. The cooperation project provides support for regional development assistance programmes and the Taiwan/Republic of China-PIF scholarship programme.

According to Chow the Small Island States-CROP attachment programme has played a vital role in empowering small island countries to enhance their capacity to address the challenges of survival and development," he said.

In their continued effort to share their knowledge, the project also offers Pacific Island students a Taiwan scholarship programme to further enhance the bright minds of Pacific Islanders.

Chow encourages students from Pacific Island countries to actively apply for Taiwan scholarships and pursue higher education in Taiwan.

He says for those who prefer to remain closer to home, students can also avail themselves of Taiwan scholarships to study at the University of the South Pacific and other esteemed universities in the region,.

The scholarship is only applicable to all citizens of the forum island countries and full-time studies, from certificates to postgraduate levels. It covers tuition fees, textbooks, living and accommodation allowances, a medical allowance, and one return economy airfare to the country of study.

Students are encouraged to download or collect forms from the Pacific Island Forums website.