Joint Taiwan/Forum Dialogue statement
FIFTEENTH TAIWAN/ROC–FORUM COUNTRIES DIALOGUE
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
19 October 2007
JOINT STATEMENT
The Fifteenth Taiwan/ROC–Forum Countries Dialogue was held at the Black Pearl, Nuku’alofa on 19 October 2007. The Taiwan/ROC delegation was led by HE Chang, Siao-yue, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Forum Island Countries were represented at the Dialogue by His Excellency Ludwig Scotty, President of the Republic of Nauru, Hon. David Adeang, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Finance & Economic Planning, Republic of Nauru; Hon. Temmy Shmull, Minister of State, Republic of Palau, Hon Patteson Oti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Solomon Islands; Hon Taukelina Finikaso, Minister of Communications, Transport and Tourism, Tuvalu; Ambassador Mack Kaminaga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Mrs Makurita Baaro, Special Envoy for the Republic of Kiribati. Representatives of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (PIFFA), Pacific Islands Development Programme (PIDP), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Power Association (PPA), Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), and the University of the South Pacific (USP) were also in attendance as Observers. The President of the Republic of Nauru was the Moderator of the Dialogue.
The delegates expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Tonga for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.
In his opening remarks, the Moderator welcomed the Head and members of the delegation of Taiwan/ROC. The Moderator reaffirmed that the Governments of Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu are committed to maintaining their formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan/ROC. The Moderator acknowledged the benefits to the region from Taiwan/ROC assistance, which was channelled through the Dialogue process to the various regional organisations as well as through other bilateral and multilateral means. He highlighted in particular, assistance received through the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme as this addressed in an effective way the region’s need for human resources development.
The Moderator requested consideration of support to projects in the areas of transportation (particularly air services and shipping services), health (with a particular emphasis on arresting the increasing incidences of non communicable diseases), energy (where coordination of projects in the area of renewable energy is necessary), and the exploration of movement of labour to the growing job markets in developed countries.
Vice Minister Chang welcomed the presence of Forum Island Countries at the Fifteenth Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue, which reflected the very positive response to Taiwan/ROC's active engagement with Forum members.
Taiwan/ROC was encouraged by the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) towards economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security, which will be pursued as part of the Pacific Plan. Taiwan/ROC was willing to share its own development experiences with Pacific Island Countries. Taiwan/ROC had contributed a total of US$15 million over the last fifteen years to the development of the region in areas such as education, agriculture, fisheries, health, energy, youth and women's development, culture and marine industries. These regional projects were in addition to the bilateral projects that were being supported in member countries.
Taiwan/ROC announced an additional US$500,000 for the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme bringing the total value to US$4.0million. This was warmly welcomed by the Pacific Island Countries.
The meeting discussed the outcomes of reports on assistance to the region; a progress report on the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme; a report on fishery co-operation in the Pacific region; a report on Taiwan’s ICDF assistance to Forum Island Countries and Taiwan/ROC regional assistance for 2008.
The meeting noted with satisfaction the close relationship between Forum countries and Taiwan/ROC and reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen relations between the region and Taiwan/ROC. The meeting reiterated that Taiwan’s status in the Post Forum Dialogue must be examined and reviewed with an intent to upgrade it to the same as other dialogue partners on an equal basis. The current dialogue arrangements regarding Taiwan, cause an appearance of disrespect for Taiwan’s allies, all of whom are full members of the Pacific Islands Forum and they desire Taiwan to be present at relevant meetings. It is recommended that the Pacific allies bring this issue to the attention of the Leaders of each of the six Allies, for discussion at the next Taiwan Pacific Allies Summit in Taiwan.
Taiwan/ROC announced that US$665,700 would be made available in 2008 for regional projects. The list of projects is attached as Annex I. This is in addition to the US$500,000 Taiwan/ROC toward the Taiwan/ROC-Forum Island Countries Scholarship Scheme, bringing the total assistance to US$1,165,700 for 2008. The Pacific Island Countries representatives thanked Taiwan/ROC for its continuing generosity and assistance made available through the regional organisations. While noting the relevance of the approved projects to the interests of member countries, the Dialogue agreed that greater support should be given to the projects that directly benefit members, for example the Smaller Island States Development Fund and Unit at the Forum Secretariat.
In conclusion, the meeting expressed its appreciation to His Excellency Ludwig Scotty, President of the Republic of Nauru, for his guidance of the Dialogue. The Moderator also thanked members of the Panel for their cordial and productive discussions and Vice Minister Chang and her delegation for their attendance.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
19 October 2007
Annex I
TAIWAN/ROC ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS 2007/2008
FIJI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (FSMed)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Enhancement of training capabilities for medical students at the Fiji School of Medicine 2007/2008 - Community Development (Health Promoting Community) To strengthen the capacity of FSMed to better support the training needs of third year medical students from the sregion $14,000
2 Fiji School of Medicine - Student Teaching and Research (STAR) Fellowships The FSMed undergraduate Student Teaching and Research (STAR) Fellowship is intended to promote focused development of select FSMed undergraduate students to support quality research and teaching. The successful completion of the fellowship will provide the fellow with an additional qualification of a Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree $37,000
SUB-TOTAL $51,000
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM FISHERIES AGENCY (PIFFA)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Review of Fisheries Investment Frameworks The purpose of the project is to assist the FFA Secretariat review investment frameworks and policies used by FFA members and recommend modifications that may enhance and promote the development of domestic tuna industries $55,000
2 Participation in International Fisheries Agency To participate in international meetings held by international fisheries bodies including FAO and other regional fisheries management organisation and to ensure that the interests of FFA member countries are considered at such meetings $30,000
SUB-TOTAL $85,000
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM SECRETARIAT (PIFS)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Scholarship Assistant To provide services that will facilitate the effective management and implementation of the Taiwan/ROC-PIF Scholarship Scheme and other Taiwan/ROC supported programmes through the PIFS. Additionally, this position will also assist in increasing technical capacity in specific fields at country and regional levels. $50,000
2 Smaller Island States Unit Work Programme The objectives of this project are /include: to progress the implementation of the Pacific Plan initiatives through the execution of specific work programmes identified as high priority areas by the Smaller Island States; to encourage the adoption of regional or sub-regional approaches where feasible in the delivery of essential public goods and services to the SIS as a means of addressing the challenges of globalisation and diseconomies of scale. $30,000
3 Smaller Island States Development Fund The purpose of this project /facility is to facilitate the provision of quick and flexible response to crucial components of the SIS development programmes, which are not covered by other aid programmes. The SISDF also supports the policy and coordination role of the Secretariat. $50,000
TOTAL $130,000
SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY (SPC)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Regional tuna tagging project: Phase 2 Solomon Islands The specific purpose is to provide a scientific and evidentiary basis for regional and national tuna fisheries management decision-making by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the Solomon Islands and by other Pacific islands. Additionally, the objective of the project is to conserve and sustain tuna resources in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). $86,000
2 Fostering Asia-Pacific aquaculture trade and technology linkages The purpose is to foster trade and technological links to the Asian aquaculture sector. The objectives are to; facilitate links between Asia-Pacific for the stakeholders involved in the aquaculture sector; educate Pacific Islands of new trends in technology, production and marketing emerging from Asia; establish aquaculture contacts for current and future use; and raise awareness of the powerhouse Asian aquaculture industry and what mutual benefits this may have to the Pacific. $50,000
3 CETC Business and Livelihood Skills (Northern Pacific) The purpose of the project is to increase access to much needed business and livelihood skills for women and youth from the Northern Pacific (Palau, CNMI, RMI (reference to ADB Skills Development study and RMI training needs assessment report). In addition, the objective is to deliver training to Northern Pacific women and youth in the areas of enterprise and technical livelihoods skills. $50,000
SUB TOTAL $186,000
SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (SPREP)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Economic impacts of destructive fishing practices in Tarawa lagoon The primary objective is to support the Kiribati government to develop new policies for coastal fisheries management. The secondary purpose is to support the work of the local NGO FSP-Kiribati to raise awareness among communities on the economic impacts of destructive fishing practices and improve the management of Tarawa lagoon resources. $35,000
SUB-TOTAL $35,000
SOUTH PACIFIC APPLIED GEOSCIENCE COMMISSION (SOPAC)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Pacific Regional Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme. The purpose of the project is to provide support in the sectors of water, sanitation and hygiene so as to contribute to the improvement of rural and urban communities capacity to effectively plan and manage their own water, sanitation and hygiene sector $55,000
SUB-TOTAL $55,000
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC (USP)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Developing a Modern and Accurate Tropical Cyclone Database for the South Pacific Region To record tropical cyclone climatology and behaviour in the South Pacific, establish a GIS and map database for projecting future cyclone activity, and assessment of cyclone impacts on the physical environments of islands in the South Pacific. This will result in (amongst other outputs) the production of an up to date, inclusive, improved and error-free record of tropical cyclones in the South Pacific; development statistical models of trends in tropical cyclone behaviour in the future and preparation of modern GIS database of tropical cyclone activity, 1970 to present, archived at the USP GIS Unit. $29,500
2 Pesticide Residues in Imported Foods in the Pacific The purpose of the project is to; investigate whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs) present in imported food products to these countries from Australia and New Zealand; determine levels of new pesticides like bifenthrin and organophosphates in the South Pacific Total Diet Study; fill data gaps of pesticides levels in imported foods; training of personnel in island nations in pesticides monitoring techniques and improve standards of POPs measurement $44,200
3 Improving Access to Library Materials in the Pacific The objectives of this project are as follows; to improve user access to USP Library collections; more newer materials available to users (reduce book and journal processing backlogs) and to upgrade current system performance $25,000
4 Private Sector Small Business Developers and Managers Capacity Building Workshop The purpose of the workshop is to improve the financial performance of 100 small businesses from Palau, Solomon Islands, RMI, Kiribati, Tuvalu, PNG, Cook Islands and Vanuatu $25,000
SUB-TOTAL $123,700
GRAND TOTAL $665,700
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
19 October 2007
JOINT STATEMENT
The Fifteenth Taiwan/ROC–Forum Countries Dialogue was held at the Black Pearl, Nuku’alofa on 19 October 2007. The Taiwan/ROC delegation was led by HE Chang, Siao-yue, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Forum Island Countries were represented at the Dialogue by His Excellency Ludwig Scotty, President of the Republic of Nauru, Hon. David Adeang, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Finance & Economic Planning, Republic of Nauru; Hon. Temmy Shmull, Minister of State, Republic of Palau, Hon Patteson Oti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Solomon Islands; Hon Taukelina Finikaso, Minister of Communications, Transport and Tourism, Tuvalu; Ambassador Mack Kaminaga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Mrs Makurita Baaro, Special Envoy for the Republic of Kiribati. Representatives of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (PIFFA), Pacific Islands Development Programme (PIDP), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Power Association (PPA), Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), and the University of the South Pacific (USP) were also in attendance as Observers. The President of the Republic of Nauru was the Moderator of the Dialogue.
The delegates expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Tonga for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.
In his opening remarks, the Moderator welcomed the Head and members of the delegation of Taiwan/ROC. The Moderator reaffirmed that the Governments of Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu are committed to maintaining their formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan/ROC. The Moderator acknowledged the benefits to the region from Taiwan/ROC assistance, which was channelled through the Dialogue process to the various regional organisations as well as through other bilateral and multilateral means. He highlighted in particular, assistance received through the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme as this addressed in an effective way the region’s need for human resources development.
The Moderator requested consideration of support to projects in the areas of transportation (particularly air services and shipping services), health (with a particular emphasis on arresting the increasing incidences of non communicable diseases), energy (where coordination of projects in the area of renewable energy is necessary), and the exploration of movement of labour to the growing job markets in developed countries.
Vice Minister Chang welcomed the presence of Forum Island Countries at the Fifteenth Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue, which reflected the very positive response to Taiwan/ROC's active engagement with Forum members.
Taiwan/ROC was encouraged by the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) towards economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security, which will be pursued as part of the Pacific Plan. Taiwan/ROC was willing to share its own development experiences with Pacific Island Countries. Taiwan/ROC had contributed a total of US$15 million over the last fifteen years to the development of the region in areas such as education, agriculture, fisheries, health, energy, youth and women's development, culture and marine industries. These regional projects were in addition to the bilateral projects that were being supported in member countries.
Taiwan/ROC announced an additional US$500,000 for the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme bringing the total value to US$4.0million. This was warmly welcomed by the Pacific Island Countries.
The meeting discussed the outcomes of reports on assistance to the region; a progress report on the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme; a report on fishery co-operation in the Pacific region; a report on Taiwan’s ICDF assistance to Forum Island Countries and Taiwan/ROC regional assistance for 2008.
The meeting noted with satisfaction the close relationship between Forum countries and Taiwan/ROC and reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen relations between the region and Taiwan/ROC. The meeting reiterated that Taiwan’s status in the Post Forum Dialogue must be examined and reviewed with an intent to upgrade it to the same as other dialogue partners on an equal basis. The current dialogue arrangements regarding Taiwan, cause an appearance of disrespect for Taiwan’s allies, all of whom are full members of the Pacific Islands Forum and they desire Taiwan to be present at relevant meetings. It is recommended that the Pacific allies bring this issue to the attention of the Leaders of each of the six Allies, for discussion at the next Taiwan Pacific Allies Summit in Taiwan.
Taiwan/ROC announced that US$665,700 would be made available in 2008 for regional projects. The list of projects is attached as Annex I. This is in addition to the US$500,000 Taiwan/ROC toward the Taiwan/ROC-Forum Island Countries Scholarship Scheme, bringing the total assistance to US$1,165,700 for 2008. The Pacific Island Countries representatives thanked Taiwan/ROC for its continuing generosity and assistance made available through the regional organisations. While noting the relevance of the approved projects to the interests of member countries, the Dialogue agreed that greater support should be given to the projects that directly benefit members, for example the Smaller Island States Development Fund and Unit at the Forum Secretariat.
In conclusion, the meeting expressed its appreciation to His Excellency Ludwig Scotty, President of the Republic of Nauru, for his guidance of the Dialogue. The Moderator also thanked members of the Panel for their cordial and productive discussions and Vice Minister Chang and her delegation for their attendance.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
19 October 2007
Annex I
TAIWAN/ROC ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS 2007/2008
FIJI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (FSMed)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Enhancement of training capabilities for medical students at the Fiji School of Medicine 2007/2008 - Community Development (Health Promoting Community) To strengthen the capacity of FSMed to better support the training needs of third year medical students from the sregion $14,000
2 Fiji School of Medicine - Student Teaching and Research (STAR) Fellowships The FSMed undergraduate Student Teaching and Research (STAR) Fellowship is intended to promote focused development of select FSMed undergraduate students to support quality research and teaching. The successful completion of the fellowship will provide the fellow with an additional qualification of a Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree $37,000
SUB-TOTAL $51,000
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM FISHERIES AGENCY (PIFFA)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Review of Fisheries Investment Frameworks The purpose of the project is to assist the FFA Secretariat review investment frameworks and policies used by FFA members and recommend modifications that may enhance and promote the development of domestic tuna industries $55,000
2 Participation in International Fisheries Agency To participate in international meetings held by international fisheries bodies including FAO and other regional fisheries management organisation and to ensure that the interests of FFA member countries are considered at such meetings $30,000
SUB-TOTAL $85,000
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM SECRETARIAT (PIFS)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Scholarship Assistant To provide services that will facilitate the effective management and implementation of the Taiwan/ROC-PIF Scholarship Scheme and other Taiwan/ROC supported programmes through the PIFS. Additionally, this position will also assist in increasing technical capacity in specific fields at country and regional levels. $50,000
2 Smaller Island States Unit Work Programme The objectives of this project are /include: to progress the implementation of the Pacific Plan initiatives through the execution of specific work programmes identified as high priority areas by the Smaller Island States; to encourage the adoption of regional or sub-regional approaches where feasible in the delivery of essential public goods and services to the SIS as a means of addressing the challenges of globalisation and diseconomies of scale. $30,000
3 Smaller Island States Development Fund The purpose of this project /facility is to facilitate the provision of quick and flexible response to crucial components of the SIS development programmes, which are not covered by other aid programmes. The SISDF also supports the policy and coordination role of the Secretariat. $50,000
TOTAL $130,000
SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY (SPC)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Regional tuna tagging project: Phase 2 Solomon Islands The specific purpose is to provide a scientific and evidentiary basis for regional and national tuna fisheries management decision-making by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the Solomon Islands and by other Pacific islands. Additionally, the objective of the project is to conserve and sustain tuna resources in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). $86,000
2 Fostering Asia-Pacific aquaculture trade and technology linkages The purpose is to foster trade and technological links to the Asian aquaculture sector. The objectives are to; facilitate links between Asia-Pacific for the stakeholders involved in the aquaculture sector; educate Pacific Islands of new trends in technology, production and marketing emerging from Asia; establish aquaculture contacts for current and future use; and raise awareness of the powerhouse Asian aquaculture industry and what mutual benefits this may have to the Pacific. $50,000
3 CETC Business and Livelihood Skills (Northern Pacific) The purpose of the project is to increase access to much needed business and livelihood skills for women and youth from the Northern Pacific (Palau, CNMI, RMI (reference to ADB Skills Development study and RMI training needs assessment report). In addition, the objective is to deliver training to Northern Pacific women and youth in the areas of enterprise and technical livelihoods skills. $50,000
SUB TOTAL $186,000
SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (SPREP)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Economic impacts of destructive fishing practices in Tarawa lagoon The primary objective is to support the Kiribati government to develop new policies for coastal fisheries management. The secondary purpose is to support the work of the local NGO FSP-Kiribati to raise awareness among communities on the economic impacts of destructive fishing practices and improve the management of Tarawa lagoon resources. $35,000
SUB-TOTAL $35,000
SOUTH PACIFIC APPLIED GEOSCIENCE COMMISSION (SOPAC)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Pacific Regional Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme. The purpose of the project is to provide support in the sectors of water, sanitation and hygiene so as to contribute to the improvement of rural and urban communities capacity to effectively plan and manage their own water, sanitation and hygiene sector $55,000
SUB-TOTAL $55,000
UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC (USP)
PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGET USD
1 Developing a Modern and Accurate Tropical Cyclone Database for the South Pacific Region To record tropical cyclone climatology and behaviour in the South Pacific, establish a GIS and map database for projecting future cyclone activity, and assessment of cyclone impacts on the physical environments of islands in the South Pacific. This will result in (amongst other outputs) the production of an up to date, inclusive, improved and error-free record of tropical cyclones in the South Pacific; development statistical models of trends in tropical cyclone behaviour in the future and preparation of modern GIS database of tropical cyclone activity, 1970 to present, archived at the USP GIS Unit. $29,500
2 Pesticide Residues in Imported Foods in the Pacific The purpose of the project is to; investigate whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs) present in imported food products to these countries from Australia and New Zealand; determine levels of new pesticides like bifenthrin and organophosphates in the South Pacific Total Diet Study; fill data gaps of pesticides levels in imported foods; training of personnel in island nations in pesticides monitoring techniques and improve standards of POPs measurement $44,200
3 Improving Access to Library Materials in the Pacific The objectives of this project are as follows; to improve user access to USP Library collections; more newer materials available to users (reduce book and journal processing backlogs) and to upgrade current system performance $25,000
4 Private Sector Small Business Developers and Managers Capacity Building Workshop The purpose of the workshop is to improve the financial performance of 100 small businesses from Palau, Solomon Islands, RMI, Kiribati, Tuvalu, PNG, Cook Islands and Vanuatu $25,000
SUB-TOTAL $123,700
GRAND TOTAL $665,700
