Chinese Taipei Commits US$1 Million to Support Human Security Capacity Building Initiatives
Chinese Taipei has signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing US$1 million to assist APEC members to strengthen human security capacity building in their economies.
The MOU identifies the details of the contribution that will be provided to the APEC Support Fund for projects in developing economies for areas such as counter-terrorism, health security, emergency preparedness and energy security.
Chinese Taipei Senior Official John Chen said the commitment will benefit a range of APEC capacity building activities.
"The funding epitomizes the commitment of Chinese Taipei to all the good causes of APEC, especially human security," Mr Chen said after the signing ceremony
"The whole of humanity is threatened not only by natural disasters but also by pandemics, earthquakes and terrorism.
"Chinese Taipei donated this US$ 1 million to the APEC Support Fund following the leadership of Australia and I hope that it can be well-used in all the APEC prospects.
Ambassador Tran Trong Toan, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, welcomed Chinese Taipei's commitment that will produce tangible benefits for the APEC region.
"The generous contribution from Chinese Taipei is the first which contributes specifically to capacity building in human security under APEC's economic and technical cooperation agenda," Ambassador Toan said at the signing ceremony.
"The fund allows for flexibility to develop special sub-funds for specific purposes under APEC's wide-ranging agenda on economic and technical cooperation.
"I would like to express our high appreciation and sincere thanks to Chinese Taipei for its generous contribution. I look forward to receiving project proposals on capacity building in human security for funding under this new sub-fund."
The MOU signing took place on the eve of the APEC Senior Officials' Meeting that takes place in Ho Chi Minh City on May 29-30.
The APEC Support Fund was established through an initial contribution from Australia to meet capacity building needs in high priority sectors relating to economic and social development. The Fund supports projects for developing member economies in the APEC region.
Sound bites of the signing ceramony are available.