ICDF Marks 30th Anniversary, Minister Says Taiwan Shifting to Aid-Investment Balance

(CNA) - The International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) celebrated its 30th anniversary today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung stated that Taiwan's international cooperation model has evolved from exporting assistance to fostering partnerships, and will gradually transition to a new model that balances aid and investment. Representatives from ally the Marshall Islands, as well as the United States, Japan, and the European Union, also commended the ICDF's achievements, noting that "Taiwan's experience offers much inspiration."

The ICDF's 30th-anniversary celebration and international seminar were held in Taipei this morning. Ministers from allies such as the Marshall Islands, Guatemala, and Eswatini attended, along with former foreign ministers including Huang Chih-fang, Lin Yung-lo, and Jane Lin, representatives from industry, government, and academia, Taiwanese and international NGOs, and diplomatic envoys from various countries.

In his opening remarks, Lin Chia-lung mentioned that the ICDF's 30th anniversary coincides with Taiwan's 30th anniversary of direct presidential elections. He noted that these two 30-year milestones signify Taiwan's democratization and international cooperation advancing hand-in-hand.

Lin Chia-lung recalled the era of "Sino-American Cooperation" when flour sacks bore the inscription, and Taiwanese often said, "Receive one measure of help, repay with ten." He emphasized understanding the importance of giving back to the world with gratitude. Today, the world faces multiple challenges such as climate change, the development of artificial intelligence, public health, and supply chain restructuring, none of which any single country can tackle alone.

Lin Chia-lung explained that Taiwan has shaped a unique and valuable "Taiwan Model" for international cooperation, built on key pillars of capacity building, social empowerment, intelligent solutions, and co-creating prosperity. It's not just about giving fish, nor just teaching how to fish, but about fishing together with partner countries. The ICDF has gradually transformed its international cooperation from "export-oriented assistance" to "partnership-oriented cooperation."

Lin Chia-lung stressed that the ICDF's reform efforts have never ceased. Firstly, it will implement the spirit of public-private collaboration by forming a "Team of Teams" collaborative network to enhance service capacity through cross-sector integration. Next, the "Overseas Technical Missions" will be upgraded to "Resident Offices," granting teams greater operational independence and rapid response capabilities. With the support of President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai, the ICDF will also strengthen its financial structure, gradually transitioning to a new model that balances aid and investment.

Also referencing Taiwan's 30th anniversary of direct presidential elections this year, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Kalani Kaneko (also translated as Kang Rende) stated that amidst significant military threats, Taiwan resolutely made changes and established the ICDF, not abandoning its friends in the world. He added that every step Taiwan takes to support its friends has an impact.

Detailing bilateral cooperation projects in public health and talent cultivation, Kaneko specifically mentioned President Lai's commitment during his visit to the Marshall Islands to provide preferential loans for aircraft procurement. The Marshall Islands have now received two aircraft, which will soon be operational, enhancing their aviation capabilities and inter-island air connectivity. He expressed hope for more future cooperation and innovation.

Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Raymond Greene echoed Lin Chia-lung, recalling the post-war US aid period from 1951 to 1965. He said that for 30 years, the ICDF has consistently been a transparent and effective partner, jointly providing technical assistance to countries in need. The US shares the same stance as the ICDF on international security, industrial security, public health, and supply chain resilience, stating, "The United States is committed to working side-by-side with the ICDF."

Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kazuyuki Katayama said that the ICDF has made significant contributions to international development over the past 30 years and is a responsible and constructive member of the international community. Japan has also been committed to promoting international development since the post-war period, which helps foster global stability and improve people's well-being. Taiwan has transformed from a recipient of aid to a respected partner, and "Taiwan's experience offers much inspiration."

Director of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner pointed out that international development cooperation is not just about providing resources, but about building partnerships, sharing expertise, promoting investment, and establishing resilience. He congratulated Taiwan on its achievements at this milestone. (Edited by Wan Shu-chang) 1150701

Stand with facts, your contribution is the power to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP to get the latest information in real-time.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.