The government is promoting the Taiwan-U.S. partnership with a focus on strengthening the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific and with the international community, according to Vice President Lai Ching-te May 12.

For decades, Taiwan and the U.S. have cooperated extensively to tackle health challenges, Lai said. Examples include the joint statement on combating COVID-19 inked by the two sides in 2020, as well as the memorandum of understanding signed by Health Minister Chen Shih-chung and Alex Azar, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, during the latter’s visit to Taiwan the same year, he added.

Lai made the remarks at a U.S.-Taiwan patient care innovation forum organized by the American Institute in Taiwan and American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan.

According to Lai, precision health care is a central plank in the government’s five-plus-two innovative industries plan and six core strategic industries initiative. The potential-laden field represents a real opportunity for Taiwan for showcasing its expertise and related proficiencies on the global stage, he said.

Lai also took the opportunity to praise AIT and AmCham Taiwan for exemplary efforts in facilitating bilateral exchanges and the development of health care services and the industry in Taiwan.

Established in 1951 with more than 1,000 members from 500-plus companies, AmCham is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting the interests of American and international businesses in Taiwan.

Unveiled by President Tsai Ing-wen during her May 2020 inauguration and founded on the five-plus-two plan, the six core strategic industries comprise digital and information technology; cybersecurity; medical technology and precision health; national defense; green and renewable energy; and strategic stockpile industries. (DL-E)

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