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FIC Trade and Investment Mission to Taiwan

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): October 3, 1997 - FSM Vice President Leo A. Falcam, on September 24, 1997, informed the four FSM State Governors that the Forum Secretariat has started preparatory to make a trade and investment mission for representatives from the Forum Island Countries (FICs) to the Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan, around the end of November 1997.

The objectives of the mission are: To explore and promote opportunities between the FIC and Taiwan/ROC; to promote investment from ROC in the FICs; and to identify and promote joint venture projects and transfer of technology.

The mission plans to spend five days in Taipei and two or three days in other business provinces to enable participants to study the market in terms of size and segmentation of exportation of FIC's products into ROC. Conversely, potential investors and buyers may learn more about accessing ROC markets for FSM products or vice-versa.

In view of the focus on FICs and ROC private sectors, it is proposed that mission participants are drawn from the private sector, who were exposed to international marketing, investment, technology transfer and who are trading with ROC businesses.

Due to budgetary constraints, the Forum can only fund one participant from the FSM. At the same time, interested individuals are welcome to participate at their own expense.

Vice President Falcam requested State Governors to assist in identifying suitable candidate from their states which will be communicated to ROC authorities who will identify suitable business partners and meeting arrangements for the mission.

Vice President requested the governors to include with the names of their nominees and other interested individuals their personal profiles, passport particulars, their main areas of interest including type of business or businessmen with whom he or she desires to get in contact.

Furthermore, it will be helpful to the Taiwan authorities if areas of interest such as fisheries, agriculture or tourism investment is being sought including the levels of joint venture investment, Falcam stated.

The governors were advised to relay their responses to the Secretary of Resources and Development no later than December 8, 1997, who will be responsible for forwarding it to the Forum Secretariat.

Any questions can be relayed to Secretary Sebastian Anefal at the Department of Resources and Development.