28th October, 2006

The Taiwan/ ROC has announced an additional US$500,000 for the Taiwan/ ROC –Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme, bringing the total value to US$3 million.

This was confirmed by the Taiwanese delegation at the 14th Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue held at Sofitel Hotel in Denarau, Nadi on October 27.

The Taiwan/ROC at the dialogue also stated, they were encouraged by the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as stated in the Pacific Plan, towards economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security.

In a joint statement, the Taiwan delegation gave an assurance that it was willing to support the implementation of the Pacific Plan. And also that it was willing to share its own development experiences with Pacific Island Countries.

Taiwan, noted the decision by Pacific Island Forum Leaders in 1992, reaffirmed in 1999, regarding the formal consultative arrangement with those Forum countries which wished to participate in the Taiwan/ ROC –Forum Countries Dialogue.

The Taiwan/ROC has contributed a total of US$10 million over the last ten years to the development of the region in areas such as education, agriculture, fisheries, health, energy, youth and women’s development, culture and marine industries.

These regional projects were in addition to the bilateral projects that were being supported in member countries.

Taiwan/ROC has also earmarked AUD4.6 million to assist in the repatriation of Kiribati and Tuvalu workers on Nauru.

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