Journalists receive warm welcome in Taiwan

Journalists from across the world were granted the opportunity to take part in the inauguration ceremony for the 14th term President and Vice-President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) from May 18 to 24.

Minister of Foreign Affairs David YL Lin welcomed the 25 journalists, stating that viable diplomacy has helped to intensify “people-to-people” relations between Taiwan and the rest of the world.{{more}}

“With the smooth transfer of government, the ROC has reached another political milestone,” said Lin.

“We are delighted and honoured to have the presence of over 900 envoys and special guests from nations for this auspicious occasion.”

Lin said that there are 164 countries and territories that accord Taiwanese citizens visa facilitation treatment, while 90 countries and territories have signed driver’s licence exchange agreements with Taiwan.

He added: “The working holiday agreements that we have concluded with 14 countries allow our young people to broaden their horizons.”

Apart from the formal ceremony, journalists were taken to various business places and historic sites in the country’s two major cities: Taipei and Kaoshiung.

The media workers were also treated to the various types of Taiwanese cuisine, following their visits to the Tour Yehliu Geopark, the Pier-2 Art Center, the former British Consulate at Takao, the Formosa Boulevard Station Kaoshiung MRT, Taiwan Indigenous Cultural Park, the second tallest building in the world – Taipei 101, among other sites.

As part of their tour, the media delegation was taken to Taiwan-based businesses such as the Singtex Industrial Co Ltd, a textile company where they were given a tour by its president Jason Chen.

The company provides the material used by a number of sporting companies. Their high-tech fabric, made from coffee grounds, is said to be waterproof and in some cases faster drying than others and provides odour control.

Journalists also visited the Formosa TV station, where they were briefed on news reporting in Taiwan and took part in an informative question and answer session.

SEARCHLIGHT journalist Ari Shaw, who represented St Vincent and the Grenadines on this delegation, described the experience as both an enjoyable and rewarding one.

Shaw also commended the hospitality and punctuality of the Taiwanese hosts.

SKN Vibes, The Jordan Times, The Citizen, The Diplomat and The Australian were a few of the other media houses covering the event.(AS)