Canadian technologies to develop clean energy sources have benefited from business opportunities in Taiwan, and new firms will be established early next year in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, the Taipei Times learned yesterday from high-ranking officials from both sides.
The 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which regulates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming, will come into effect early next year.
Industrialized countries that are signatories to the treaty have pledged to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by certain percentages relative to their emission levels in 1990. The target levels should be reached between 2008 and 2012.
At a press conference held in Taipei yesterday, Arthur Carty, Canada's National Science Advisor, said Canada has already developed mature alternative technologies, including biomass power generation and fuel-cell technology.
"These are possible areas we can discuss more in the near future," Carty said.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the nation's Renewable Energy Strategy was established in 1996 to promote the use of renewable energy sources and establish strong partnerships with manufacturers, communities, federal and provincial departments and environmental groups. The strategy offers a blueprint for cooperative action with stakeholders to accelerate the development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies.
Tai Chien (戴謙), director general of Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration, said that Canadian Palcan Fuel Cells has transferred relevant technologies to Taiwan's Ballean Fuel Cell Co, which will start operations in the park next year.
"We've seen signs of growth among firms involving energy-related industries in Taiwan," Tai said yesterday.
The collaboration on scientific research and technological innovation between Taiwan's National Science Council (NSC) and Canada's National Research Council (NRC) began in 1997.
According to NSC deputy chairman Shieh Ching-jyh (
"The collaboration between Taiwan and Canada will be further strengthened in the following years by focusing on promising fields, including energy, nanotechnology, biotech and communications," Shieh said.
Carty, a former president of the NRC, said that Canada's government is deeply committed to an agenda of innovation, and to support excellence in science and technology that benefits society and the economy.
"We hope to transfer Taiwan's experience in building technology clusters to Canada," Carty said.
He attributed the success of Taiwan's science parks to well-designed national policies which promote strong support.
Carty yesterday also met high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs in a bid to promote two-way investment, as well as other commercial partnerships between Canada and Taiwan, particularly in areas relevant to technology and innovation.
PROCEDURE: Although there is already a cross-strait agreement in place for the extradition of criminals, ample notice is meant to be given to the other side first Ten Taiwanese who were involved in fraud-related crimes in China were extradited back to Taiwan via Kinmen County on Wednesday, four of whom are convicted fraudsters in Taiwan. The 10 people arrived via a ferry operating between Xiamen and Kinmen, also known as the “small three links.” The Kinmen County Prosecutors’ Office yesterday said that four of the 10 extradited people were convicted in Taiwan for committing fraud and contravening the Money Laundering Control Act (洗錢防制法), and were on the wanted list. They were immediately arrested upon arrival and sent to Kinmen Prison to serve their sentences following brief questioning, the office said.
Taipei and Kaohsiung have extended an open invitation to Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki after Chinese authorities abruptly canceled her scheduled concert in Shanghai. Hamasaki, 47, had been slated to perform on Saturday before organizers pulled the show at the last minute, citing “force majeure,” a move widely viewed as retaliation for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remark that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a military response from Tokyo. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) yesterday said the city “very much welcomes” Hamasaki’s return and would continue to “surprise” her. Hamasaki, who has a large global fan base, including
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