THE Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) have signed a new Cooperation Agreement to support the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) from 2025 to 2027.
The agreement, signed at the PIFS office in Suva last week, marked a significant step in regional efforts toward sustainable ocean governance, the two parties said in a statement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Representative of the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji Joseph Chow, who signed on behalf of the trade office, emphasised the significance of the agreement as a new milestone in Taiwan’s partnership with PIFS.
“Since 2010, the Pacific Islands Forum has led efforts to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen ocean governance,” he said.
“Taiwan is proud to support these initiatives and to work alongside Pacific nations in tackling climate change, safeguarding marine resources, and promoting a sustainable blue economy.”
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni acknowledged Taiwan’s continued support as a development partner that has played a crucial role in strengthening OPOC’s functions.
“This new agreement is a strong endorsement of our shared vision for a resilient and thriving Blue Pacific,” he said.
Dr Manoni stressed the importance of cross-border collaboration in ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, fisheries management and marine sustainability and urged Pacific nations to work together to ensure a sustainable future for the region’s oceans.
Under the agreement, Taiwan will provide $US1.045 million ($F2.41m) over the next three years to enhance OPOC’s initiatives in key areas, including:
• Building influential ocean affairs capabilities,
• Strengthening youth participation and ocean initiatives,
• Innovative financing to support sustainable ocean, management
• Promoting ocean literacy.
Established in 2010 under the Framework for Pacific Oceanscape, OPOC plays a pivotal role in implementing sustainable ocean governance strategies for the Pacific Islands Forum. In 2023, the office expanded its functions to further advance the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated FEBRUARY 20, 2025.
