Iakwe！
Last summer when Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine traveled to Taiwan on a state visit, we had in-depth discussions about women’s empowerment issues. In the end, we reached a consensus that our nations would jointly establish a Women’s Business Start-up Small Loan Revolving Fund.
Half a year later, and after intensive discussions between colleagues from associated ministries and agencies, we are here today to witness the signing of a cooperative MOU that establishes the fund.
I hope this will be a sustainable, long-term fund that gives Marshallese women initial financing to get their businesses off the ground, and create a more entrepreneur-friendly environment.
I especially want to encourage women who came to Taiwan for technical and vocational training to put the technical skills they learned to good use. These professional skills not only help increase family incomes and improve quality of life, but also give women more opportunities to fulfill their potential.
Taiwan’s achievements have shown that when women start businesses and create jobs, they create many benefits, spurring overall national economic growth while creating a more dynamic society.
So let Taiwan be an example that inspires more concrete progress in gender equality, and may this fund succeed in helping our Marshallese sisters achieve their goals.
Kommol tata!