KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan has embarked on an international youth ambassadors exchange programme aimed at strengthening ties and promoting public diplomacy said its Foreign Affairs Ministry’s International Affairs Services director Wong Chi-Ping.
The initiative is part of Taiwan’s Southbound policy which was launched in 2016 to develop closer ties with countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, India, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.
The exchange programme will see youth ambassadors from both Taiwan and Malaysia, spend six days in each others’ country, gaining information and exposure about its culture, tradition and way of life.
“Taiwan is currently the fourth largest investor in Malaysia with investments totaling US$12.5 billion (RM52.55 billion); and the seventh largest trading partner with bi-lateral trade of about US$20 billion (RM84.08 bilion) a year,“ Wong said.
He pointed out Taiwan’s highly developed industrial foundation and its leading position in agriculture, aquaculture, medical and green technology. He also acknowledged how blessed Malaysia was with natural resources such natural gas and agricultural products like palm oil which Taiwan lacks and hopes the initiative will help strengthen economic cooperation and develop talent exchange between the two countries.
He stated that by developing strong economic ties, both countries will be able to help each other develop further.
