Agency handling foreign-aid plans marks 10th year

        A series of activities was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the International Cooperation and Development Fund, which executes the ROC government foreign-aid programs. The main celebratory event hosted by the ICDF provided entertainment to the heads of technical-assistance missions from 36 countries, volunteers and other Taiwanese workers stationed around the world.

        The ICDF, together with Taiwan Thinktank, also sponsored an international conference to examine the government's efforts to promote international cooperation and development. Taking part were 14 domestic and overseas experts who provided an overview of ICDF achievements over the past decade. Held at the Grand Hotel in Taipei, the conference concluded July 1.

        President Chen Shui-bian was on hand to give a speech and express his gratitude to all the Taiwanese people who had endured the hardship of working far from home for the ICDF-sponsored foreign-aid programs. He said ICDF would write a glorious chapter in Taiwan's diplomatic history.

        Foreign Minister James Huang, who serves concurrently as ICDF president, presented a "sash of honor" to each of the overseas workers, whom he called "special commissioners of people's diplomacy" because they provide assistance to people in countries that are friendly to the ROC. He wishes them future success and entreats them not to lose their idealism, saying they give hope to the needy on behalf of Taiwan.

        In his opening remarks at the conference, Premier Su Tseng-chang reminded everyone that Taiwan is a country that received a considerable amount of foreign aid, and that it is now in a position to assist other countries by giving foreign aid to them.

        "This is something that we should be proud of and something that has come a long way," said Su. "Even though the international political reality has deprived us of the chance to participate in international affairs, our devotion and enthusiasm to the international community will never be lessened." Regarding Taiwan's experience in the area of international cooperation and development and providing aid in developing countries, panelists discussed and examined the pros and cons and strategic priorities of different programs.

        Professor Lee Deng-ker of National Chengchi University talked about his own experiences introducing aquaculture of Oreochromis Mossambica, a very popular fresh-water fish originally imported from Singapore in 1946, to the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Jacques Sawadogo from Burkina Faso complimented Taiwan on helping his country develop education, agriculture, irrigation techniques, medical facilities and environmental engineering practices. These projects have brought new economic development to the people of Burkina Faso, he said.