Every time I go abroad, I make a point to visit our Technical Missions. I don’t come this far just to hear progress reports, but to encourage our technicians working on the frontlines of diplomacy.
Your efforts far from home bring Taiwan’s technology to our allies. That makes technology a path to friendship, and your many achievements are a testament to that friendship.
Back in 1985, before we even had an embassy here, our Technical Mission came to Palau. That allowed Taiwan and Palau to form a sound and stable friendship, and the Technical Mission can be justifiably proud of their contribution.
I want to thank Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau Chief Pang-chi Yang (楊邦棋) for his progress report. I know the team is using technical cooperation to make a greater contribution to food security and diversifying diets, in spite of the relative lack of arable land in Palau.
This year, following up on our success with papayas and dragon fruit, we’re introducing tropical fruits like mangoes, wax apples, and lychees, and I hope they will thrive in Palau.
Palau is a globally renowned tourism destination, with many outstanding hotels. We hope that the Technical Mission’s efforts will help Taiwan fruits become a staple in Palau’s tourist hotels. That way, both the people of Palau, and travelers from all over the world, will have a chance to taste delicious fruits that originated in Taiwan, but were produced in Palau.
Sharing our top-notch agricultural technologies is the best way to show the world Taiwan's strengths. So I want to thank all the members of the Technical Mission once again for your efforts and dedication. You are the pride of Taiwan.
Last but not least, Chief Yang, would you please introduce the mission members here today individually so we can show our appreciation?
Thank you.