TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Industrial Technology Research Institute invited officials from 11 diplomatic allies to a five-day program on carbon markets and climate cooperation, CNA reported Tuesday.
Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) and institute Vice President Lee Tsung-ming (李宗銘) opened the program Monday. Wu said Taiwan and its allies should strengthen their capacity to participate in international carbon markets and cooperate on reducing emissions.
The program covers global climate rules, carbon market development, and emissions reduction projects. Participants will also discuss how countries can meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Saint Lucia Sustainable Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Anita Montoute thanked Taiwan for organizing the program. She said participating countries could exchange expertise on carbon market regulations, market development, and related technologies.
Officials will visit the Ministry of Environment, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, and the Industrial Technology Research Institute. They will also learn about Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero target, carbon fee system, renewable energy development, and industrial technology.
The foreign ministry said the cooperation could help Taiwan’s green industries expand international partnerships. It added that the program could support sustainable development in partner countries and deepen Taiwan’s diplomatic ties.
Representatives will also study case examples and take part in policy discussions during the program. The ministry said the exchanges would lay the groundwork for future bilateral and multilateral carbon credit projects.
The Paris Agreement was adopted at the UN COP21 climate conference in Paris on Dec. 12, 2015, and took effect on Nov. 4, 2016. Taiwan is not an official party because it is not a member of the UN or the UNFCCC.
However, Taiwan voluntarily follows the agreement’s framework and has announced its own nationally determined contribution, including emissions reduction targets for 2035.
