After three-and-a-half happy and fulfilling years in Taiwan, I am about to leave. I do so with great thanks for the openness and friendliness of Taiwanese from all walks of life. That is what I will miss most about this lovely nation, as I take wonderful memories with me.
We have seen a deepening and strengthening of UK-Taiwan relations over recent years — in trade and commerce; in science, technology, energy and climate change; in judicial collaboration; and in education and culture.
I am proud of how the British Office has promoted the UK’s skills and expertise through our GREAT campaigns on food, fashion, technology and “green” issues and sustainability. I am confident that such exchanges will continue to grow.
Recently, the UK and Taiwan have both seen major political changes: Taiwan has its new female president and new legislature; and the UK also has a new (and second female) prime minister and new ministers.
That came about after British voted on June 23 to leave the EU. British Prime Minister Theresa May has been clear that Brexit means Brexit, but this absolutely does not mean that the UK will be stepping away from the center of the international stage.
Britain will build a new future from a position of strength, outward facing, internationally focused and ready to embrace the new opportunities that Brexit brings.
Britain is committed to working with our international partners, fully playing our part in ensuring a safer, healthier and more prosperous world. The UK remains a permanent member of the UN Security Council, of NATO, of the G7 and G20 and the Commonwealth.
The UK was the first G7 member to meet the UN target of spending 0.7 percent of gross national income on international development. This policy, now enshrined in law, together with the UK’s commitment to spend 2 percent of its income on defense, is helping to shape the world around us.
We are committed to the Global Goal target of achieving zero extreme poverty by 2030, investing in programs that provide health, education and water, and tackle violence against girls and women.
We can only do this through tackling the great global challenges, from the root causes of mass migration and disease, to insecurity, conflict and global climate change. So the UK plays a leading role in the response against global threats such as the rise of DAESH (an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group), the scourge of corruption and deadly diseases such as Ebola.
The UK is and always will be a trading nation; our overseas partners are guaranteed a strong, business friendly environment. The UK economy has grown fastest in the G7 recently and is a great place to do business — that will not change.
Potential investors will be pleased to know that the UK is the highest-ranked major economy in terms of ease of doing business.
London is regarded as the world’s leading financial hub and its creative and entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive with a wealth of opportunities for our trading partners.
The UK is a world leader in financial services, insurance, computer and information services and has a global reputation for creativity. With its superfast broadband coverage, integrated transport system and low corporation tax, it is perhaps unsurprising that the UK is one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business.
Britain, currently the fifth-largest economy in the world, is open for business and actively welcomes entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the UK.
Britain is a tolerant and diverse country and welcomes tourists who visit her shores with open arms. A record 36 million visited last year — including 55,000 from Taiwan. From castles to museums, beautiful beaches to idyllic countryside, iconic department stores to pulsating sporting events, there is something for every visitor to Britain.
And we continue to welcome Taiwanese students to our world-renowned education institutions — Britain is home to four of the world’s top 10 universities. The UK offers foreign students a world-class education, globally respected universities and qualifications and great career prospects.
Britain will continue to thrive and prosper; it will continue to be a reliable ally and trusted partner; its creativity and innovation will not be diminished in any way.
While the nature of our relationship with the EU is still to be determined, we will want the strongest possible economic links with our European neighbors, as well as our close friends and important partners around the world, including Taiwan.
Our vision is of a Britain that is respected abroad, tolerant and welcoming at home and completely committed to working with our international partners to build a better world for our and future generations.
Chris Wood is the British Office representative.
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