TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) opened the 35th Taiwan-Japan Modern Engineering and Technology Symposium (第35屆台日工程技術研討會) Monday (Nov. 17), emphasizing bilateral friendship. Cho thanked Japan for providing advanced monitoring instruments during the Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake (馬太鞍堰塞湖) crisis to protect Guangfu Township residents.
Cho highlighted Japan's COVID-19 vaccine assistance and honored former Ambassador to Japan Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (旭日大綬章). Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae (高市早苗) facilitated the award presentation, demonstrating strong bilateral ties. The recognition marks a significant diplomatic honor for Taiwan.
The Premier emphasized strong economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting shared commitment to Indo-Pacific peace. Cho cited Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi's recent meeting with Taiwan's APEC representative Lin Hsin-i (林信義) as evidence of active bilateral engagement.
The symposium features 20 specialized groups covering 50 topics with over 60 Japanese experts serving as lecturers. Cho highlighted successful Taiwan-Japan collaborations including MRT Jakarta and North-South Commuter Railway projects. The Premier suggested future overseas partnerships leveraging complementary engineering expertise. ◼
