MOFA sincerely thanks Belgian Chamber of Representatives for adopting resolution backing Taiwan and highlighting fact that UNGA Resolution 2758 takes no position on Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA sincerely thanks Belgian Chamber of Representatives for adopting resolution backing Taiwan and highlighting fact that UNGA Resolution 2758 takes no position on Taiwan

Date:2025-03-21
Data Source:Department of European Affairs

March 21, 2025  
No. 079  

The Chamber of Representatives of Belgium adopted a resolution on March 20 expressing concern over the growing threat of China to Taiwan. It passed with an overwhelming majority of 126 votes in favor, none against, and 13 abstentions. The resolution called on the government of Belgium to condemn through diplomatic channels China’s increasingly aggressive stance toward Taiwan and to demand that China alleviate tensions, end all provocations, and respect the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. It further noted that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 did not take a position on Taiwan, and urged the Belgian government to clarify this fact at the United Nations. 
 
In addition, the resolution advocated for the Belgian government to work with European partners to play an active role in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, and pursue an economic agreement with Taiwan at the European Union-level to strengthen supply chain resilience. It also called on all levels of government in Belgium to collectively foster economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation with Taiwan; support Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and other international organizations; and continue to enhance civil society and media exchanges with Taiwan to jointly combat disinformation. 
 
The resolution was introduced by Representative Els Van Hoof, Co-president of the Belgium-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group. The Belgian Chamber of Representatives adopted Taiwan-friendly resolutions in November 2015 and July 2020. This latest resolution was the first to condemn China’s threats against Taiwan and the first to be passed by the current Belgian parliament since it opened last July, which was of special significance to the advancement of Taiwan-Belgium relations. 
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the Belgian Chamber of Representatives for its support and emphasizes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will build on the existing solid foundation to steadily deepen substantive exchanges and friendly cooperation between Taiwan and Belgium. (E) 

The Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park cooperate with 15 companies for a blood drive.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The To promote ESG and SDGs sustainable development principles, the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch of the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), held a public blood drive titled “Donate Blood to Help Others and Keep Love Alive” on the 27th at Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park. The event received enthusiastic participation from 15 companies, including Mutual Love Social Welfare Care Association, Health Center (Kaosiung Municipal Min-Sheng Hospital team), Radiant Opto-Electronics Corp., STL Technology Co., Ltd., Emerging Display Technologies Corp., Taiflex Scientific Co., Ltd., Mitsui High-Tech (TAIWAN) Co., Ltd., Nitto Denko Corp., Kaohsiung Opto-Electronics Inc., CTS Components Taiwan, Ltd., Walton Advanced Engineering, Inc., JET Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., Walsin Technology Corp., Taiwan Sugar Corporation Kaohsiung Branch, Taiwan IC Packaging Corp.. Many employees and community members joined the event, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and positive energy.
At the event, Director Yu Shu-Hui of the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch presented trophies to co-organizing units, expressing gratitude for their strong support. She remarked, “I sincerely thank every blood donor for their selfless contribution and every staff member for their dedication. This heartwarming public welfare event has infused the New Year with love and vitality. We look forward to more companies and partners joining us in the future, continuing to spread kindness and warmth throughout society.”
To enhance donor convenience, three mobile blood donation units were deployed, along with a “real-time waiting queue tracker” to minimize wait times. The event began at 9:00 AM, and donors eagerly lined up, demonstrating overwhelming enthusiasm. According to the blood donation center, the event successfully recruited over 300 donors, collecting nearly 120,000 c.c. of blood, significantly replenishing the blood supply for urgent medical needs and showcasing the park’s strong commitment to public welfare.
Beyond blood donation, the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch’s Ethics Office, Environmental and Labor Affairs Division, Police Unit, Min-Sheng Hospital, and Cianjhen Public Health Center set up informational booths covering a range of important topics. These included anti-corruption awareness, Act of Gender Equality in Employment, fraud prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, infectious disease control, smoking cessation, and chronic disease prevention-all aimed at enhancing health literacy and fostering a more supportive and informed community.
The event “Donate Blood to Help Others and Keep Love Alive” campaign not only contributed life-saving blood donations but also conveyed a profound message of care and social responsibility. The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch of BIP emphasized that its commitment to the principle of “Taken from the community, giving back to society”, pledging to organize more charitable initiatives in collaboration with enterprises in the industrial park to uphold sustainable development and extend the power of compassion.

Contact Person: Chen, Yi-Jun Environmental and Labor Affairs Division of the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch)
Contact Number: 886-7-8239-347
Email: kepzhf@bip.gov.tw

President Lai addresses annual meeting of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council via video

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai addresses annual meeting of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council via video
On the afternoon of March 26, President Lai Ching-te addressed the 2025 annual meeting of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council via video. In his remarks, he thanked the Consultative Council for being one of the strongest bridges of friendship between Taiwan and Japan, noting that the Consultative Council has not only been a long-time supporter of Taiwan’s international participation, but has also stepped up to increase mutual aid between Taiwan and Japan. The president expressed his hope of working closely with Japan to jointly build non-red supply chains to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He also said that he looks forward to the Consultative Council continuing to offer its strong support for Taiwan, deepening our cooperation and together creating a bright future of mutual prosperity for Taiwan and Japan.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
In his remarks at the Yushan Forum earlier this month, Chairman Furuya Keiji stated in Taiwanese, “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” His words sent a shockwave through the audience, gaining its unanimous approval. Speaking today from the Presidential Office, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I am happy to thank Chairman Furuya and the Consultative Council for their strong support of Taiwan. I am also honored to have the opportunity, at your annual meeting, to express the deepest gratitude to Chairman Furuya and all of our friends on the Consultative Council.
For over half a century now, the Consultative Council has been one of the strongest bridges of friendship between Taiwan and Japan. It has not only been a long-time supporter of Taiwan’s international participation, but whenever there were natural disasters or a pandemic, it has also stepped up to increase mutual aid between Taiwan and Japan.
Particularly due to the hard work of Chairman Furuya and all the members of the Consultative Council, beginning this May, members of the Taiwanese overseas community in Japan included in the country’s family registry system may list “Taiwan” in the field designating their nationality or region of origin. This change amply demonstrates the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan.
Taiwan and Japan exemplify the adage that “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” We are also an interdependent community with a shared destiny. The international landscape of this year is complicated and changing. Whether the issue is climate change, economic security, or geopolitical change, Taiwan needs the close, hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart cooperation and mutual support of Japan and other like-minded nations. Only then can we meet all manner of challenges.
Former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo once said, “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” Responding in kind, I once said, “if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan also has a problem.” We hope, in face of expanding authoritarianism, to work closely with Japan to jointly build non-red supply chains. And we hope to stand firmly together to exert our strength as we collectively safeguard our democratic values and promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Whether it is in the economy, culture, or technology, Taiwan and Japan have significant room for cooperation, and our deep friendship, which has been strengthened by the Consultative Council, is a major force in enhancing our bilateral ties. Thus I sincerely look forward to our good friends on the Consultative Council continuing to offer their strong support for Taiwan, deepening our cooperation and together creating a bright future of mutual prosperity for Taiwan and Japan. 
Lastly, I once again thank the Consultative Council for the contributions it has made to exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. I want to wish today’s meeting a great success. May the Taiwan-Japan friendship reach ever-greater heights, and may all our friends on the council enjoy good health and success. Thank you all.

Boao innovation forum set for June

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended a press conference for the International Science, Technology & Innovation Forum (ISTIF) of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2025 Hong Kong Conference in Hainan this morning to provide more details on the Hong Kong Conference to be held in June.

BFA ISTIF Executive Chairman Leong Vai-tac also attended the press conference.

The ISTIF aims to strengthen global science and technology governance, promote international science and technology innovation and co-operation, lead the direction in rule making of emerging technologies, and contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Three editions of the ISTIF have been held and it has become a premier platform for exchanges, dialogue and co-operation in the field of science and technology innovation.

The BFA and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will jointly host the ISTIF 2025 Hong Kong Conference at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 6 and 7.

Under the theme of “Transitioning Towards the Future: Powered by Science & Technology Innovation”, the conference is expected to attract around 800 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including top-notch experts, scholars, government and business leaders to exchange views on the latest trends in global innovation and technology (I&T) development, the development and emerging opportunities in frontier technological fields, and to inject new impetus into the I&T development of the country and the world at large.

Prof Sun said that it is a great honour for the Hong Kong SAR Government to cohost the Hong Kong Conference with the BFA in Hong Kong.

He said hosting the Hong Kong Conference by the Hong Kong SAR Government does not only continue the ISTIF’s tradition of staging the event in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA cities, but also reaffirms Hong Kong’s advantages as a highly internationalised city and its pivotal role of bridging the country and the world as a dual platform.

The conference will comprise the opening ceremony, a Hong Kong forum, sub-forums, panel discussions and round tables, with internationally renowned speakers who will share their insights on a wide range of topics, including global science and technology governance, sustainable development, innovation clusters, life sciences, future mobility, AI, quantum technology, financial innovation and youth leadership.

Choi Yuk-lin attends Icelandic summit

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin yesterday discussed global trends in education with representatives from other nations and regions at the International Summit on the Teaching Profession 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Ms Choi was joined in attending the summit, themed “Quality Education: The Key to Prosperity & Well-being”, by a delegation of Hong Kong principals and educationalists.

In her address at a session on kindergarten education, she outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Government’s Kindergarten Education Scheme, introduced in the 2017-18 school year, provides quality and affordable kindergarten education that meets the diverse needs of students.

She highlighted that at present, about 90% of the half-day programmes offered by kindergartens under the scheme are free of charge, while fees for whole-day programmes are maintained at a low level.

She added that the scheme enhances kindergarten education through upgrading teachers’ professional qualifications and supporting their continuous professional development, improving the teacher-student ratio, and more.

During the summit, Ms Choi also met South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training & Skills Blair Boyer, to explore ways of promoting educational exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Australia.

Ms Choi briefed Mr Boyer on the various government measures to achieve a highly internationalised higher education sector in Hong Kong, and discussed issues of mutual concern with him.

The summit was co-organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development, Education International, Iceland’s Ministry of Education & Children, and the Icelandic Teachers’ Union.

Education ministers, teaching leaders and educationalists from around the world gathered at the event to discuss promoting quality early childhood education, inclusive and supportive learning environments, and a child-centred education system.

On Monday, Ms Choi attended a seminar at the summit exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence in education.

She met Permanent Secretary in Iceland’s Ministry of Education & Children Erna Kristín Blondal to discuss educational collaboration between Hong Kong and Iceland and the latest developments in vocational and professional education and training.

She also visited a local primary school and paid a courtesy call on Chinese Ambassador to Iceland He Rulong.

Ms Choi will today depart from Iceland on a scheduled visit to Delhi, India.

Flight demo planned for Mar 30

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Members of the public are invited to witness a special flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour on Sunday afternoon to commemorate a century of aviation history in Hong Kong.

This year marks the centenary of the establishment of Kai Tak Airport, and the demonstration will coincide with the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, which is being held at Kai Tak Sports Park for the first time.

The Government will support event organisers in staging the demonstration.

The Civil Aviation Department will establish a temporary restricted flying zone (RFZ) over Victoria Harbour. This means that activities such as the flying of unmanned aircraft systems, kites, and captive balloons, and the release of multiple small balloons, will be restricted. 

The department will announce details of the temporary RFZ on the “eSUA” electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft and by Notice To Airmen.

Commerce chief heads to Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart this afternoon for Beijing, where he will call on the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He will also visit an enterprise and meet representatives of the wine industry.

Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon. During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR TEXTILE WORKERS

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India is implementing various schemes/initiatives aimed at promoting the textile sector pan India. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated large scale, world class industrial ecosystem, which will help in attracting investments and boosting employment; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre & Apparel, and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development, Skilling and Export Promotion; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; ATUFS to incentivize technology upgradation and modernization through capital investment subsidy for eligible investment in benchmarked textile machinery; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) to support small, medium and large scale wool-producing units; National Handloom Development Program and National Handicraft Development Program for end to end support for handloom and handicraft sectors etc.

In addition to the above, the role of the Government is to ensure conducive policy environment, facilitating in creating enabling conditions for the industry and private entrepreneurs to set up units through its various policy initiatives and schemes. Due to these interventions a number of handloom, powerloom, readymade garments, synthetic yarn and hosiery manufacturing units have been setup across the country including Mohanlalganj.  

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q3937)

(Release ID: 2115260) Visitor Counter : 62

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: QUANTITY OF TEXTILE EXPORTS

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Textiles

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: QUANTITY OF TEXTILE EXPORTS

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:23PM by PIB Delhi

The state-wise details of India’s export of Textiles & Apparel (including handicrafts) during the last five years is given at below.

The Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote Indian textiles sector and enhance its competitiveness. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on MMF Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicrafts.

Further, Government is also implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc at national and international levels.

Textiles & Apparel (including handicrafts) Exports

(State-wise data during the last five years)

(Value in USD Million)

State

FY: 2019-20

FY: 2020-21

FY: 2021-22

FY: 2022-23

FY: 2023-24

TAMIL NADU

6,978.7

6,213.9

8,714.4

8,008.9

7,172.0

GUJARAT

5,134.3

5,078.1

7,358.6

5,043.4

5,749.1

MAHARASHTRA

4,292.5

4,015.4

5,355.8

3,999.5

4,227.3

HARYANA

3,280.3

3,003.0

4,215.0

3,720.0

3,641.9

UTTAR PRADESH

3,151.0

2,729.8

3,649.0

3,686.6

3,438.2

KARNATAKA

2,474.0

1,917.1

2,732.1

2,910.3

2,738.4

RAJASTHAN

1,376.8

1,226.2

1,853.4

1,582.1

1,624.3

PUNJAB

1,517.7

1,313.6

2,111.5

1,502.2

1,500.4

MADHYA PRADESH

1,132.6

1,338.0

2,108.9

1,346.5

1,390.2

WEST BENGAL

1,026.3

904.9

1,265.7

1,207.4

1,087.1

DELHI

2,514.1

1,773.5

1,551.0

1,189.9

1,032.0

DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI

640.2

597.7

994.1

670.3

678.3

ANDHRA PRADESH

472.9

447.9

770.6

438.2

481.2

KERALA

373.3

289.2

407.2

351.4

371.8

HIMACHAL PRADESH

185.2

178.0

330.0

259.2

237.2

TELANGANA

131.5

202.9

469.9

135.6

166.8

JAMMU & KASHMIR

101.9

67.8

109.9

101.1

88.7

ODISHA

40.4

28.7

85.9

66.0

85.5

UTTARAKHAND

47.7

52.0

84.6

45.6

41.6

BIHAR

37.5

40.1

36.8

27.6

32.3

JHARKHAND

21.9

9.5

7.5

14.9

25.2

DAMAN & DIU

195.1

66.7

116.3

99.7

16.9

CHANDIGARH

2.2

5.3

9.8

29.7

16.1

PUDUCHERRY

12.8

26.0

16.6

15.6

13.0

CHATTISGARH

1.7

0.9

3.3

2.9

4.0

GOA

5.3

5.0

5.7

5.2

2.4

ASSAM

1.9

3.9

7.1

4.0

2.3

NAGALAND

0.3

0.1

0.3

0.2

0.1

MIZORAM

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

MEGHALAYA

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

TRIPURA

0.6

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

MANIPUR

0.0

0.0

0.6

0.0

0.0

LADAKH

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR

0.2

0.1

0.0

0.0

0.0

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

LAKSHADWEEP

0.1

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.0

SIKKIM

0.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

OTHERS

25.2

49.6

62.7

222.1

9.5

Total

35,176.7

31,584.9

44,434.7

36,686.0

35,873.9

         Source: DGCIS, Provisional Data (Rounded Off)

 

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q4060)

(Release ID: 2115276)

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SCHEME FOR TRADITIONAL WEAVERS

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:23PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Textiles is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote textile industries including handloom sector throughout the country including Jalpaiguri. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme for end-to-end support to traditional handloom weavers.

Under Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP), two textile parks at Howrah viz. EIGMEF Apparel Park Ltd. and West Bengal Hosiery Textile Park have been sanctioned in West Bengal. Under National Handloom Development Programme, one Mega Handloom cluster at Murshidabad and 19 Small handloom clusters including 2 Small handloom clusters in North Bengal have been taken up in West Bengal.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

***

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q3988)

(Release ID: 2115277) Visitor Counter : 14