KOROR, Palau — A Taiwanese delegation under the “Palau Tourism Promotion Initiative” visited Palau on Feb. 13-14, meeting with President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl to discuss strengthening tourism cooperation between the two nations.
According to the Taiwan Embassy, the delegation was led by Legislator Wang Yi-Chuan and New Taipei City Councilor Cho Kuan-Ting. Other members included New Taipei City Councilor Chen Nai-Yu, Taichung City Councilor Chiang Chao-Kuo, Legislative Yuan Honorary Advisors Chen Po-Wei and Hung Tzu-Yung, Executive Director of the Central Joint Services Center of the Executive Yuan Chuang Ching-Cheng, and political commentator Lee Cheng-Hao.
The delegation also included representatives from Taiwan’s private sector, such as the CEO of Hoda Industrial Co. Ltd., and the chairpersons of Changde Co. Ltd. and Jadian International Co. Ltd.
Discussions covered expanding mainstream tourism and the possibility of establishing summer courses in Palau for Taiwanese universities specializing in marine research and tourism programs. Legislator Wang pledged to advocate for Taiwan’s government to support Palau’s development in energy, telecommunications, and healthcare.
President Whipps emphasized Palau and Taiwan’s strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific and expressed appreciation for increased flights between the two countries. He also engaged with business leaders on potential investment and development opportunities in Palau.
Minister Tmetuchl highlighted the shared Austronesian heritage between Palau and Taiwan, encouraging Taiwanese travelers to consider Palau a priority destination. Palau and Taiwan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1999. (By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang)