A TAIWANESE official said Monday Taipei and Taiwanese businessmen remain optimistic about the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte despite its problems, and particularly the conflict in Mindanao.
“We are still optimistic,” said Peter Pan, executive officer of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
He urged the Philippines to start further cooperating with Taiwan and its “New Southbound Policy.”
Taiwan sees the Philippines as one of its potential trading partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
In May, Taiwan’s representative to Manila Gary Lin said Taipei’s New Southbound Policy does not aim to compete with Beijing’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, which seeks to build a new Silk Road linking Asia, Africa and Europe along with investment of billions of dollars in infrastructure projects.
Under its Southbound policy, Lin said, Taiwan aims to further and advance cooperation with the Philippines in education and research, culture, tourism, trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries, information and communication, climate change and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Lin also urged the Philippine government not to let its One-China policy hinder the development of relations with Taiwan.
Pan echoed Lin and said the Philippines’ decision to shift its alliance to China was a welcome move but urged Manila to also seek ties and cooperation with Taipei.
The New Southbound Policy initiated by President Tsai Ing-wen last year aims to advance relations with 18 countries, including those in Southeast Asia and South Asia as well as New Zealand and Australia.
Taiwan was the Philippines’ eight largest trading partner in 2016 while the Philippines was Taiwan’s 10th largest trading partner.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s senior diplomats are scheduled to officially visit the Philippines from Sept. 2 to 6, 2017 to attend its 9th International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program.
The International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program was initiated by the Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2009.
Students from various universities and colleges in Taiwan apply and undergo a very selective competition by demonstrating their talents and fluency in foreign languages to become Taiwan Youth Ambassadors.
One of the main goals of this program is to exemplify Taiwanç—´ soft power abroad, to broaden the participants’ international visions and to orient themselves in international affairs.
“The Philippines, as a friendly country and the closest neighbor of Taiwan in the south, has always been the first and foremost country for Taiwan to send Youth Ambassadors to,” Pan said.
This year, the Taiwan Youth Ambassadors will do a one-day volunteer work at the Tuloy Don Bosco Foundation in Alabang.
The delegation will also present their observations at the “TAIWAN NIGHT” to be held at the University of Santo Tomas on Sept. 5.
The Taiwanese youth group will present Taiwan’s vibrant culture and vigor through a 10-minute performance.
“They will showcase their talents and the UST choir and symphony orchestra will perform splendid Filipino songs,” Pan said, adding that TECO will host a reception for their delegations in UST.