Joint Taiwan PIFS Statement
FOURTEENTH TAIWAN/ROCFORUM COUNTRIES DIALOGUE Denarau, Nadi, Fiji Islands 27 October 2006 79/06 JOINT STATEMENT The 14th Taiwan/ROCForum Countries Dialogue was held at the Sofitel Hotel, Denarau, Nadi, Fiji Islands on 27 October 2006. The Taiwan/ROC delegation was led by HE Siao-yue Chang Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Forum Island Countries were represented at the Dialogue by Hon David Adeang MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Nauru; Hon Temmy L. Shmull, Minister of State, Palau; Hon Gerald Zackios, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; Hon Patteson Oti Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Solomon Islands; and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Kiribati. Representatives of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (PIFFA), Fiji School of Medicine (FSchM); Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), the South Pacific Board for Educational Assessment (SPBEA), University of the South Pacific (USP) and Pacific Islands Development Programme (PIDP) were also in attendance as Observers. The Prime Minister of Tuvalu was the Moderator of the Dialogue . 2. The delegates expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of Fiji for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. 3. In his opening remarks, the Moderator welcomed the Leader and members of the delegation of Taiwan/ROC. The Moderator reaffirmed the commitment of the Governments of Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu for their commitment to maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan/ROC. The Moderator acknowledged the benefits to the region from Taiwan/ROC assistance, which was channelled to the various regional organisations as well as through other bilateral and multilateral means. He highlighted in particular the 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. 4. Leader and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, Her Excellency Madam Chang Siao-yue welcomed the presence of Forum Countries at the Fourteenth Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue, which reflected the very positive response to Taiwan/ROC's active engagement with Forum members. She made reference to the Action Plan endorsed during the first Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit held in Koror, Palau in October. Total commitment to the multilateral assistance to the Pacific Region for next year will be US$1.5 million. 5. 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 gave an assurance that it was willing to support the implementation of the Pacific Plan. Taiwan/ROC was willing to share its own development experiences with Pacific Island Countries. Taiwan/ROC noted the decision by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 1992, reaffirmed in 1999, regarding the formal consultative arrangement with those Forum countries which wished to participate in the Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue. Taiwan/ROC's conducted its development cooperation efforts in the region at both a bilateral and multilateral level. The meeting called on the Pacific Islands Forum to include Taiwan/ROC as an official Forum Dialogue Partner. 6. Taiwan/ROC had contributed a total of US$10 million over the last ten 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 had also earmarked AUD4.6 million to assist in the repatriation of Kiribati and Tuvalu workers on Nauru. 7. The meeting warmly welcomed the announcement by Taiwan/ROC of an additional US$500,000 for the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme, bringing the total value to US$3million. Concerns were raised about the distribution of the scholarship funds. Taiwan/ROC agreed to review the selection criteria for the award of scholarships under the Scheme. 8. The meeting called for greater recognition within the Pacific Islands Forum of the significant assistance by Taiwan/ROC, and further called for direct involvement by Taiwan/ROC with Forum-related activities. Taiwan/ROC should also receive greater recognition in its own right to participate in international fora. The Ministers said Taiwan/ROC had proved through its long-term and generous assistance to be a true ally of the region. The meeting heard a proposal to meet prior to the 2006 Pacific Islands Forum to reassess the 1992 Forum policy regarding the consultative arrangements with Taiwan/ROC. 9. Discussions were held on the outcomes of reports on assistance to the region; including a progress report on the Taiwan/ROC-Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Scheme; a report on fishery co-operation in the Pacific region; issues relating to the Western and Central Pacific Tuna Convention and the latest regional assistance from Taiwan/ROC. 10. 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. 11. Taiwan/ROC announced that US$1,023,291 would be made available in 2007 for 29 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$1,235,449 for 2006. The meeting sincerely thanked Taiwan/ROC for its continuing generosity and assistance made available through the regional organisations and noted the relevance of the approved projects to the interests of member countries. 12. In conclusion, the meeting expressed its appreciation to the Honorable Apisai Ielemaia, Prime Minister of Tuvalu 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 his delegation for their attendance. Denarau, Nadi, Fiji Islands 27 October 2006 2006/2007 TAIWAN/ROC ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS Currency: USD PACIFIC ISLNDS FORUM FISHERY AGENCY (PIFFA) PROJECT TITLE SUMMARY BUDGETS 1 Ecosystem approach to fisheries management To promote sustainable fisheries and capacity developments in Pacific fisheries. The Project seeks to utilize a model ESD framework already developed and approved by FFC. The project will have a capacity building component for key FFA member national fisheries staff who will involve in the review and development of national Tuna Management Plans (TMP) using the FFA EAFM framework. $50,000 2 FFA Surveillance Database To manage surveillance data effectively. $20,000 3 Renovation of the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) To redesign staff work and file storage area, to improve efficiency of MCS and registrations staff and to improve workplace health and safety. There are occupational safety issues with the current work area inside RFSC. The new design combines a modern and innovative design that employs a system that maximizes the available space. $25,000 4 Participation for International Fisheries Meetings To participate in international meetings held by international fisheries bodies including FAO and other regional fisheries management organization and to ensure that the interest of FFA member countries are taken into account in such meetings. $30,000 5 FFA Official Vehicle To replace the official motor vehicle for the FFA Director General. The current vehicle will be four years old in May 2007. Under FFA's vehicle replacement policy, the Director General's vehicle is replaced after three years. $25,000 SUBTOTAL $150,000 FIJI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (FSMed) 1 Developing and enhancing the clinical training for medical and allied health students at the Fiji School of Medicine 2006/2007- Establishment of a clinical skill laboratory and further improvement of the existing clinical skills training facilities To strengthen the clinical training of FSMed student at undergraduate and postgraduate level to produce better clinician and health workers in the region. $50,000 SUBTOTAL $50,000 PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM SECRETARIATS (PIFS) 1 Pacific ICT Survey 2006- Updating Regional Information on Communication Technologies (ICT) Data for the Pacific To obtain accurate, complete and updated regional information on ICT developments, contributing to improved policy , planning and programme development. $10,000 2 Forum Secretariat fellowship scheme (FSFS) The programme serves to provide a quick response to meeting Forum Island Countries (PICs) more urgent development needs through a programme aimed for practical training attachments. The focus of the Fund is to support the implementation of the pacific Plan through the Secretariats through improved national capacity in the realms of economic, social and environmental development (sustainable development) where such assistance cannot be effectively provided through alternative sources. $20,000 3 Industrial Development and Training Project (IDTP) To ensure the sustainability of the IDTP Project to support technology transfers and technical capacity building for the private sector notably small business enterprises in FICs, with special emphasis on SIS Members via hands-on training attachments and advisory services. $15,000 4 Marketing Support Fund & Niche Product Development The purpose of the fund is to facilitate growth of the private sector through increasing the capabilities of SMEs to expand market and promote their products more effectively. In addition, it provides the means for the private sector notable SMEs to gain information on market that would help them develop and maintain strategic and sustainable plans for their businesses. $30,000 5 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. $45,000 6 Smaller Island States Development Fund The purpose of this programme is to facilitate the provision of quick and flexible responses to crucial components of the SIS development programmes, which are not covered by other aid programmes; to support the policy and coordination role of the Secretariat; and to provide additional resources to complement the Secretariat's work in development and economic policy. $35,000 7 Smaller Island States Unit Work Programme and SIS Leaders' Meeting To give effect to the implementation of the Kalibobo Roadmap where the SIS unit will develop and implement Special SIS work programmes in employment, aviation, shipping tourism, capacity building and investigation of an alternative financing facility to make soft loan available; to enable SIS Leaders with an annual forum for policy dialogue between the Small Island States focusing on developing a common understanding of issues pertinent to them such as climate change, regional transportation, economic management, sustainable development and trade and investment; which is central to the Secretariat's mandate. The Forum will enable SIS Leaders to develop strategies in overcoming some of these issues. $45,000 SUBTOTAL $200,000 SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY (SPC) 1 Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) in the Pacific To promote participatory plant breeding as a tool for strengthening the linkage between researchers, extension staff and farmers and to increase the genetic diversity of the major crops in the Pacific. $19,260 2 CETC income generation (paper making) training for Pacific Islands Women To introduce art and craft skills in paper making to Pacific women community workers and marketing skills for the finished products and to demonstrate cost effective and environmentally friendly use of local resources as part of wise resource management and income generating skills transfer. $23,606 3 Research and information officer, 24 month regional counterpart for Pacific Association of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (PATVET) To transfer the research, administration and fundraising skills of our current professional volunteer staff, to an appropriate Pacific Islander counterpart. This will enable the PATVET Secretariat to become sustainable prior to the volunteer's departure in 2007. $27,980 4 Information collection for phase 2 of the Pacific regional inventory of technology and vocational education and training institutions To commence Phase 2 of the Regional Inventory of TVET Institutions. Phase 2 provides information on accredited programmes available at registered TVET institutions, and will feed directly into the planned Regional Qualifications Framework. $31,405 5 Website development and maintenance To service the technical and Vocational Education and Training sector via a web portal for the Pacific region's only collaborative TVET Association (PATVET) $9,630 6 10th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women, May 2007 Purpose is to increase knowledge and level of awareness of national focal points of gender issues as reflected in the Pacific Platform for Action on Gender Equality and the Advancement of Women in the Pacific island region, to take stock of implementation of the Pacific Platform of Action in PICTs; to provide hands-on training and exposure in critical areas of concern, to provide a forum for donors and key development partners to review the relevance and extent of their support to gender and development in the Pacific island region and to extend and strengthen networks for gender and development in the Pacific island region. $100,000 7 Project title Pacific Regional Tuberculosis Data workshop The purpose of this project is to improve the accuracy and frequency of tuberculosis (TB) data from Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu. In addition, the object of this project is to develop the capacity of TB Managers and public health officers in the four target countries to collect, analyse and disseminate TB data. The objective will be achieved through conducting a five day TB data workshop at SPC's Noumea Headquarter in early 2007. $30,210 8 Sustainable fisheries development and food-security in Nauru To decease fishing pressure on inshore resources and increase food security for Nauruans through implementing an inshore FAD programme and constructing canoes for local Nauruans to use for fishing pelagic species around the inshore FADs. $43,000 SUBTOTAL $285,091 SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (SPREP) 1 Small Island States sustainable solar initiative (SI3SI) The purpose of this project is to improve the solar electricity project management skills in the small Island stats and to disseminate the success of Namdrik Solar Rehabilitation Project $50,000 SUBTOTAL $50,000 SOUTH PACIFIC BOARD FOR EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT (SPBEA) 1 A development of a framework for managing assessment A regional workshop is planned for the development of a template for countries to use to develop their own assessment policy and procedures at national and school levels. The purpose of the project is to develop working documents at all levels of educational management and strategies for their implementation. $35,500 SUBTOTAL $35,500 SOUTH PACIFIC APPLIED GEOSCIENCES COMMISSION (SOPAC) 1 Pacific regional water, sanitation and hygiene programme 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 sectors. $85,000 2 Regional energy education programme-World Earth Day 2006/2007 (Year 3) Purpose is to increase regionally the awareness and understanding of energy and its impact on the environment through energy education and awareness programmes that focus on school children $14,000 3 Assessment and development of a framework for the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to facilitate sustainable social and economic development for member countries Purposes is to assess the status of ICT to facilitate development in the selection FICs and to assist in the development of national ICT policies and companion action plans so as to contribute towards meeting their national social and economic development priorities in a sustainable manner. $30,000 SUBTOATL $129,000 UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC (USP) 1 Improving access to Pacific marine literature This project will revitalize Moana database and expand access to marine literature and to train regional library staff in database maintenance. $46,500 2 BIODISCOVERY: Marine Natural Products from some South Pacific Marine Organisms Biodiversity; Marine Nature Products The purpose of the project is to investigate whether the compounds extracted from local marine organisms (soft corals, sponges tunicates, algae) are biologically active compounds which can eventually be of commercial use such as in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, etc. $32,200 3 Training small business managers and entrepreneurs in the use of the IFC World Bank SME Business Toolkit To improve the financial performance of 40 small business from the Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu. $45,000 SUBTOTAL $123,700 GRAND TOTAL $1,023,291 |
2006