The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said it hopes to further democratic ties, cooperation on innovative ideas and cultural links between Taiwan and France in the coming years, especially if elected to power.
During a meeting with Benoit Guidee, the newly appointed head of the Bureau Francais de Taipei, DPP Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said that the party hoped to introduce international cooperation to the technology sector and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Tsai thanked the bureau for promoting various projects, including democratic ties, cooperation on innovation and cultural links between France and Taiwan.
Tsai said that France was focusing on the development of renewable energy after its introduction of energy transition legislation in July and cutting back its reliance on nuclear energy, which could be a model for Taiwan.
Tsai said the party was highly interested in the French government’s efforts to research and build wind power and hydroelectric generators.
On technological cooperation ventures, Tsai said that with France’s advances in software, it could prove a valuable ally in the party’s proposed Asian Silicon Valley initiative, which calls for setting up a zone for innovative high-tech industries near the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to attract talent at home and abroad.
Tsai also encouraged future ventures by talented French and Taiwanese youths to embark on joint innovative research projects.
As for establishing city ties, Tsai said that four of the six special municipalities mayors are DPP members, who introduced modern ideas, such as “smart cities” to Taiwan.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu’s (陳菊) visit to Paris and Marseilles last month also demonstrated the spirit of “city diplomacy,” Tsai said.
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