President Lai attends ribbon-cutting ceremony for One Stop Shop Building in Palau
On the morning of December 6 local time (morning of December 6 Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the One Stop Shop Building, a consolidated government service center, in the Republic of Palau as part of his itinerary for state visits to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that people coming to the One Stop Shop Building will have access to more streamlined and higher quality services, as well as appreciate the friendship between Taiwan and Palau and enjoy the results of cooperation between our countries.
Upon his arrival, President Lai first heard Director of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries’ Bureau of Public Works Brian Melairei introduce the building’s construction. The president then delivered remarks.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
It is my great pleasure to represent the people of Taiwan and stand alongside representatives from all sectors of Palau to witness together this important event for Palauan public services – the opening ceremony of the One Stop Shop Building. This new facility means that the Palauan government will be able to offer even better services to the public. It is also a demonstration of the deep friendship between Taiwan and Palau.
During construction, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The project was further hit by labor and building material shortages. The fact that the center has now been completed shows how Taiwan and Palau jointly overcame a global outbreak of disease and were resilient to economic hardship. The project is a model of successful bilateral cooperation. I hope that people coming here will have access to more streamlined and higher quality services. While they are in the building, I also hope they will appreciate the friendship between Taiwan and Palau and enjoy the results of cooperation between our countries.
Over the past 25 years, through typhoons, pandemics, and geopolitical changes, Taiwan and Palau have risen to all challenges together. Looking ahead, our two nations will continue to closely collaborate across a range of areas to address climate change, advance digital transformation, and counter expanding authoritarianism. Our rock-solid diplomatic alliance will only go from strength to strength. I wish the One Stop Shop Building smooth and successful operations.
Following his remarks, President Lai, along with President of Palau Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), and Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, cut the ribbon for the One Stop Shop Building. Then, together with the distinguished guests present, the president unveiled an indigenous wood carving as a gift from Taiwan to mark the opening of the building.
Also in attendance at the event were First Lady Valerie Whipps, Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui Jr., Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister of Health and Human Services Gaafar Uherbelau, Minister of Education Dale Jenkins, and Paramount High Chief Reklai Raphael B. Ngirmang.