US and Taiwan sign MOU to strengthen international development and humanitarian assistance

US and Taiwan sign MOU to strengthen international development and humanitarian assistance

2022-11-09

The U.S. and Taiwan are strengthening their ties in international development and humanitarian assistance. The American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. signed an MOU, where the two countries will jointly provide international humanitarian assistance to other countries, and conduct research together. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the details.

The U.S.’ de facto embassy in Taiwan, and Taiwan’s de facto embassy in the U.S. have signed an MOU to strengthen their cooperation on international humanitarian assistance and international development.

Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Under the MOU, Taiwan and the U.S. have established a common basis by which the USAID and the Taiwan ICDF can work together to advance international developments, humanitarian assistance projects, and joint research initiatives. I firmly believe that with our combined efforts through this MOU, we will not only enhance our bilateral cooperation, but also contribute to the international community.

The U.S. Agency for International Development and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund will cooperate to enhance climate and disaster resilience in the Pacific Region. Taiwan ICDF will contribute up to US$600,000 to a U.S.-Taiwan partnership under USAID’s Pacific American Fund.

Timothy Hsiang
ICDF secretary-general
As the official development agency of Taiwan, the cooperation between the Taiwan ICDF and the USAID first kicked off after an inaugural Pacific Islands Dialogue between Taiwan and the U.S. in October 2019. We have since made much progress in our joint efforts for like-minded beneficially countries and citizens to build an open and prosperous indo-pacific region. The Taiwan ICDF and the USAID have established regular dialogues on climate, cyber security, and health. Which are the most vital topics for our collaboration.

Sandra Oudkirk
AIT director
This MOU is a testament to the continued expansion of both the breadth and depth of ties between the U.S. and Taiwan. Taiwan is a trusted friend and partner. We applaud Taiwan’s contributions to the international community. In times of distress or disaster, the U.S. has been fortunate to work with reliable partners including Taiwan to provide assistance and relief. Whether dealing with the impact of the global COVID pandemic or sharing its extensive experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Taiwan has shown time and again that it is willing and able to share its expertise and help those in need.

USAID and Taiwan ICDF will also provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Paraguay.

Sandra Oudkirk
AIT director
We are proud to work with Taiwan on development cooperation. This MOU will enable our experts to work together on projects and programs to build capacity and bolster economic resilience around the world. For example, USAID and ICDF will provide support for market access and product diversification for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in Paraguay. Across the Pacific islands, the U.S. and Taiwan will award grants to enhance climate and disaster resilience through our joint Pacific American Fund.

Through the signing of the MOU, Taiwan and the U.S. hope to continue to work together and with other like-minded partners to provide international development and humanitarian assistance.