The foreign ministry encourages Taiwanese enterprises to send humanitarian aid to ally countries. Deputy Foreign Minister Vanessa Shih made the remarks at a press conference on Tuesday.
Shih said starting next year, the ministry will encourage Taiwan’s non-governmental groups to collect supplies themselves while the ministry will cover shipping costs. Taiwan will also consider extending aid to countries other than its allies in the future if it is able.
This plan will become an annual project. She is calling on more groups and businesses to join the international humanitarian program.
“We’re calling for local companies, not only NGOs [to join in]. They will provide products made in Taiwan. [The foreign ministry office] will assist if they need help in shipping the supplies abroad,” said Shih.
At the press conference, the first shipment of book bags and stationery to the Solomon Islands was displayed. The supplies were donated by four groups. Shih said the shipment will have the flags of the Republic of China and labels that read “Love from Taiwan” on the outside of the boxes.