Taiwan on Friday signed an agreement with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to support the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s (OPOC) efforts to enhance the partnership in ocean governance from this year to 2027.
Representative to Fiji Joseph Chow (周進發) and PIF Deputy Secretary-general Esala Nayasi signed the deal in Sydney.
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Filimon Manoni witnessed the proceedings, while Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Jessica Lee (黎倩儀) attended by teleconference.
Photo: EPA-EFE
The agreement stipulates that Taiwan would furnish US$1,045,000 to support OPOC projects aimed at boosting ocean governance, youth participation in ocean affairs, innovations for sustainable ocean management and ocean education.
Taiwan’s financial support for the projects is part of the nation’s commitment to the region’s shared vision for a resilient and sustainable ocean-based economy as outlined by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The signing of the agreement marked a goalpost for the partnership between Taiwan and PIF to safeguard the environment and share the responsibility for ocean governance that started in 2010, Chow said at the event.
The nation is honored to stand beside its Pacific Island friends and allies to face the challenges posed by climate change, protect the ocean’s vital resources and promote a sustainable blue economy, he said.
Taiwan’s support for the 2050 Strategy is unwavering and it emphasizes the importance of creating a base of expert knowledge, youth empowerment, financial innovation and ocean literacy to the region, he said.
The nation has much to offer the region in terms of facilitating economic growth, education, fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure building and dealing with climate warming, he said.
Manoni thanked Taiwan for its long-time support for the PIF, adding that the nation’s contributions to the organization have been crucial in developing his office’s capability to build a resilient and prosperous future for the Pacific region.
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