On September 30, 2020, Deputy Representative Akira Yokochi delivered an address at the opening ceremony of GCTF’s virtual seminar themed “International Development through Public‒Private Partnership.”
The United Nations General Assembly is held annually in September. Representatives from various countries meet to exchange and discuss their views, in accordance with the international community’s shared objective to work toward a society in which no one is left behind. At this fourth virtual seminar, experts from Japan, the U.S. and Taiwan shared their views on how the GCTF platform can help build public‒private partnerships to advance international development goals and cooperation. The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association remains committed to GCTF as an effective platform for sharing views on various such topics.
Deputy Representative Yokochi’s address
On behalf of the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you. We are delighted to co-host the GCTF virtual seminar on Advancing International Development through Public‒Private Partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan and the American Institute in Taiwan.
GCTF is a framework launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan and the American Institute in Taiwan aimed to enhance capacity building and bring together experts to deepen discussions on common problems in various fields. Taiwan’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown its expertise and experience in areas such as public health and development assistance. As it would be extremely beneficial not only for Japan but also for international society as a whole to share Taiwan’s expertise with partners around the world, the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association joined the GCTF as a full partner last year.
A large number of people around the world are now suffering from the spread of COVID-19. Since public sector has limited options to respond to the crisis, it is essential to find a way to cooperate with the private sector. Besides, investment from private companies plays an increasingly important role in the economic growth of developing countries. Through the promotion of a variety of businesses in emerging economies, the private industry contributes to the achievement of long-term development impacts such as job creation, human resource development, and improvement of technical capabilities in these countries. There is also a growing expectation toward the superior technology, know-how, and idea of Japanese companies among developing countries.
It is necessary to ensure sustainability, transparency, and due process in the development support through a public‒private partnership. Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, bound together by shared fundamental values of freedom and democracy, are partners with the ability to set up a transparent and open system. We are greatly honored to have the opportunity at today’s GCTF, to share the expertise of Japan and the United States, as well as the “Taiwan Model” for combating COVID-19 with all the participants. We are determined to actively contribute to this meaningful effort. Last but not least, we would like to appreciate everyone present for their efforts and commitments in organizing today's GCTF virtual workshop. Thank you.