VP Hsiao: Deepening Taiwan-Palau Aquatic Cooperation to Help Palau Develop its Blue Economy

(CNA, Reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Koror, Palau, 9th) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, currently visiting Palau, toured the Palau National Aquaculture Center and the Giant Clam Hatchery today. She stated that aquaculture is a vital area of cooperation between Taiwan and Palau, and that both sides will continue to deepen their collaboration to jointly develop a blue economy industry suitable for Palau, while balancing ecological conservation and economic development.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim launched the "Palau-Honor Project" and visited the Palau National Aquaculture Center and the Giant Clam Hatchery in the morning, witnessing Palau's achievements over the past decade in the field of aquaculture to meet its sustainable fishery goals.

After the visit, Vice President Hsiao told the media that aquaculture is one of the important cooperative projects between Taiwan and Palau. The Taiwan Technical Mission has invested significant effort in Palau over the past few years, including the farming of rabbitfish and milkfish, which has benefited the local economy. However, as Palau places great importance on marine conservation, there is still a need to promote the aquaculture industry for edible fish.

She revealed that Palau's President, Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., had specifically shown her some of Palau's plans yesterday, including the promotion of the aquaculture industry. Taking milkfish as an example, besides being used as food, Palau also hopes it can be developed for use as fish bait and fishing lures in the future. There are many potential extended applications and industrial concepts, and the professional teams from Taiwan and Palau will continue to cooperate to develop industries that are best suited for Palau, balancing both ecology and economy.

The Palau National Aquaculture Center, under the Palau Bureau of Marine Resources, is responsible for aquaculture research, seedling cultivation, and technology promotion. It is currently operated with the assistance of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau, implementing the "Palau Aquaculture Project (Phase 2)" and the "Palau Enhanced Coastal Fisheries Management Project."

These projects focus on food security, aquaculture industry development, coastal fisheries resource management, and marine conservation. Through the application of technology, talent cultivation, and integration of local knowledge, they assist Palau in promoting the sustainable use of marine resources and the development of a blue economy.