Premier William Lai (賴清德) has confirmed the formation of a 10-person task force charged with promoting trade goals of the New Southbound Policy, a source said.
The task force, which is to report to the Executive Yuan’s Office of Trade Negotiations, is tasked with promoting trade and cooperation with Southeast Asian nations and India in the areas of medicine, petrochemicals and agriculture, the source said, adding that Minister Without Portfolio John Deng (鄧振中) has been chosen to lead the group.
Other members are Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung (吳志中), Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花), Deputy Minister of Education Yao Leeh-ter (姚立德), Vice Minister Yan Jeou-rong (顏久榮), Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Ho Chi-kung (何啟功), Council of Agriculture Deputy Minister Chen Chi-chung (陳吉仲), National Development Council Deputy Minister Chiou Jiunn-rong (邱俊榮), Overseas Community Affairs Council Vice Minister Roy Yuan-Rong Leu (呂元榮) and Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Chi Wen-jong (祁文中).
Bureau of Foreign Trade Director-General Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) is to oversee the group’s daily operations.
Originally planned for establishment next month, the task force was proposed after a foreign trade strategies conference convened by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Dec. 26 last year, when Tsai said that the trade office had to strengthen its executive capabilities.
The task force began operations earlier this month after Deng sent a report to Lai for approval with a proposed plan of action and a list of members, the source said.
Members at last week’s meeting decided to create individualized plans for each of the target nations to highlight varying focuses.
For example, the nation might send agricultural experts to India to share their expertise, the source said.
Potential areas of cooperation include tourism and innovative industry development, they added.
The task force is to convene again next month and is to complement the activities of a separate task force under the National Security Council, the source said.
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s (陳奕迅) concerts in Kaohsiung this weekend have been postponed after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 this morning, the organizer said today. Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” concert which was scheduled to be held in the coming three days at the Kaohsiung Arena would be rescheduled to May 29, 30 and 31, while the three shows scheduled over the next weekend, from May 23 to 25, would be held as usual, Universal Music said in a statement. Ticket holders can apply for a full refund or attend the postponed concerts with the same seating, the organizer said. Refund arrangements would
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korean outfit Hyukoh collectively received the most nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards, earning a total of seven nods from the jury on Wednesday. The bands collaborated on their 2024 album AAA, which received nominations for best band, best album producer, best album design and best vocal album recording. “Young Man,” a single from the album, earned nominations for song of the year and best music video, while another track, “Antenna,” also received a best music video nomination. Late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同) was named the jury award winner for his 2024 album
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Friday laid out the Cabinet’s updated policy agenda and recapped the government’s achievements ahead of the one-year anniversary of President William Lai’s (賴清德) inauguration. Cho said the government had made progress across a range of areas, including rebuilding Hualien, cracking down on fraud, improving pedestrian safety and promoting economic growth. “I hope the public will not have the impression that the Cabinet only asked the legislature to reconsider a bunch of legal amendments,” Cho said, calling the moves “necessary” to protect constitutional governance and the public’s interest. The Cabinet would work toward achieving its “1+7” plan, he said. The
RSS