After recalling the dynamic cooperation between Haiti and Taiwan, and Taiwan on the relevant actions in Haiti, the diplomat at the same time invites the Haitian authorities to defend once again a place for this young state in some meetings where the future the world is taking shape. Exclusive interview on the presence of Taiwanese interests in Haiti.
The Nouvelliste (LN): Ambassador Bernard Liu Bang-Zug, could you introduce our readers to the Republic of China (Taiwan)?
Bernard Liu Bang-Zug (BBL), I am very happy, very happy and very proud to have the opportunity to talk about bilateral relations between Haiti and Taiwan. Taiwan is an Asian country with an area of ??36,008 km2 is 20% greater than that of Haiti, with a population of 23,040,040 inhabitants. For us, the population density is very high at 630, 86 inhabitants per km2.
We have many challenges. We spent our time in economic development. We succeeded, and why? Because Taiwan is rather an exporting country, we do not really have the resources and raw materials. But what we have now, they are human and they are our main assets. And we take advantage of the well-being of our population and also struggle to be more present on the international stage. Before going into detail, I take this opportunity to tell you that the Republic of China was founded in 1911 - the first republic in Asia. Since then, my country has developed into a modern society. Some years later, unfortunately, we had a civil war between nationalism and communism. And the central government was forced to settle in Taipei. If some of you say that Taiwan is not a country, it is incorrect. Those who vote and are not realistic. Maybe they are not familiar with the history of the Republic of China.
LN: What about the recognition of Taiwan on the international stage except to have an embassy in Haiti?
BBL: The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is still there. As I have said, there is the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan). This will allow friendly countries to raise the distinction between the two states. When we speak, there are 117 countries around the world that grant Taiwan a visa-free treatment. The Taiwanese can travel and travel in those countries without a visa and freely. In fact, they are friends who show us their trust. While the Chinese mainland do not have these privileges. We can say that Taiwan is a real state.
LN: When was the relationship between Taiwan and Haiti?
BBL: Since 1956, Haiti recognizes the Nationalist Republic of China. For a long time, Taiwan will represent China at the United Nations, in 1970 to finally give way to the People's Republic of China. Nevertheless, the traditional relations with Taiwan in Haiti are still maintained. Relations between the two countries began to develop in the economic. Since the friendly relations and cooperation have grown further. Despite the challenges Taiwan faces in the international arena, the Republic of Haiti has always been attached to Taiwan to support him during these 56 years of very close relations.
LN: Because of the great challenges facing Taiwan in the international arena, in which direction would you like to receive more precisely the contribution of Haiti?
BBL: The Haitian government can still play a significant role in more concrete for our cause on our integration in the various activities on the international scene, especially in organizations heat. For example, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Organisation for Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) because we, the Republic of China, want to bring more of our experiences, share the security concerns of all countries the world, we seek significant support from the Republic of Haiti.
Time allows us to know each other. We know each other better. Our government is determined to do his best to support Haiti in its crusade for sustainable development. And invite the authorities of Haiti to get on our side to help us carve out a prominent place at the international level, especially with the Framework Convention on Climate Change and our presence as a member or observer within ICAO, since each year it accounts for more than 4 million flights in our airspace.
LN: What about the diplomatic mission to Haiti in the territory of Taiwan?
BBL: The Embassy of Haiti in Taipei is installed since 1958. For three years, Haiti has no accredited ambassador in Taiwan. For now, the embassy is headed by Charge d'Affaires Chouloute Mario, a former student of the Centre for Diplomatic and International (CEDI).
LN: What are the priority areas and sectors of cooperation between Taiwan and Haiti?
BBL: Before the earthquake of January 12, 2010, the areas of infrastructure and agriculture were the main areas of focus in my country. After the earthquake, we continued our work in these areas, while focusing on other areas: cooperation in the health sector, the relocation of victims, vocational training and assistance to orphans and disadvantaged children.
Regarding the relocation of victims, is being built to Diane Savane (Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye), located in the Artibonite Department, Borough of Marmelade, a town called "Hope Village" which will be with 200 homes for people in difficult situations, including schools to accommodate children, a health center and an auditorium for cultural activities. Work whose cost amounts to nearly U.S. $ 5 million started in June 2011 and will expire in August 2012. Next to this village, there was a food security project through the cereal crop produced on 322 hectares of land to the beneficiaries of these 200 homes, funding of 3 million U.S. dollars. And finally, the construction of six bridges in Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye whose work will take place over a period of ten months for a total of 1.75 million U.S. dollars to facilitate the movement of people in this region. The total cost is 10 million U.S. dollars.
On the other hand, the Taiwanese government through the World Vision Taiwan, in partnership with World Vision Haiti, has built 500 temporary houses in Croix-des-Bouquets for $ 2.115 million U.S. dollars. The work will be completed by the end of this month.
LN: We remember that Haiti has already been visited by ministerial delegations of Public Health of Taiwan in the past month. Could you tell us about the actions related to this sector, initiated by the two countries?
BBL: We also worked with the Haitian Government through the Ministry of Health (National laboratory) through donations of equipment and testing of pharmaceuticals against contagious diseases. On the other hand, a dozen senior National Laboratory have received training in Taiwan to expand their knowledge. It also has projects in health, especially in the department of Artibonite (non-contagious disease: blood pressure and diabetes) whose cost reached 2.6 million U.S. dollars.
LN: The real needs of Haiti in training and construction, especially after January 12, are immense. Can you assess the contribution of Taiwan in these areas?
BBL: Our government has organized training for 200 Haitian masons in the former premises of our embassy. This training has cost 150,000 U.S. dollars. For now, our technicians are currently providing training in handicrafts and bamboo planting for the benefit of people who will live in the houses we're building to Savane Diane.
On the other hand, we have the assistance project for orphans and destitute children run by World Vision Taiwan has identified more than 1500 children from various shelters in the metropolitan area of ??Port-au- Prince. This project is funded to the tune of 1.4 million U.S. dollars.
LN: What can you tell us about your government interventions in agriculture, in addition to the products of handicrafts, bamboo?
BBL: In terms of agriculture, Taiwan's mission takes place in four regions of the country: Marmalade (project of bamboo and fruit processing), Pont-Sonde (where the headquarters of the mission thermal Taiwan, where production is done Rice and testing of rice seeds to provide the ODVA and farmers), Cayes-Jacmel (three small projects: gardening, raising chickens, planting of bamboo and handicrafts). These two projects cost $ 2 million annually. We also have a rice project in Torbeck extending over a period of three years. Until the end of next year, when the project ends, we will have a production of 20,000 tons of rice per year. Before our intervention, operations for rice production was 1.5 tons per hectare per harvest. When we arrived, we had satisfactory results: it is between 3.5 to 4 tons per hectare per harvest. We intend to move eventually to 20 000 tonnes annually.
LN: roads, bridges ... we will remember the contribution of Taiwan in the construction of Toussaint Louverture Boulevard (Airport Road). Since then, what other sites?
BBL: In terms of infrastructure, we have two recently completed projects: the stretch (Port Hi / Port-Pepper) to 32 km with a funding of 30 million U.S. dollars was inaugurated in October 2010. The road Cayes / Port-Hi was also built by Taiwan. There is also the construction of a drainage system Torbeck to facilitate the production of rice which cost 3 million U.S. dollars. This construction made by the Taiwanese NGOs OECC was recently inaugurated.
LN: In what sense the island of Formosa she facilitates the development opportunities to young Haitians, perhaps by awarding scholarships?
BBL: There are academic scholarship from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fellows of the Taiwanese government. We have eight fellows who left this Wednesday, August 24 to Taipei. And four others Thursday, August 25 for training master's and doctoral degrees. Each year, we offer ten scholarships. Besides the short-term vocational training in journalism, ecology, agronomy, finance, etc..
We try to develop this kind of cooperation because the young will become the main forces of any country, including Haiti. Since 2005, my Government attaches great importance to training young people. One important thing to note, the Haitian students are in first place among the students. They always get good grades and show exemplary behavior.
LN: At what level your embassy she contributes to strengthening the commercial side between Haiti and Taiwan?
BBL: This is a very important sector in the cooperation between the two countries. The embassy collects information from Taiwanese investors to discuss the opportunities and potential markets. Taiwanese products imported into Haiti are the solar panels, computers and electronic devices. While coconut, coffee and other products are exported to Taiwan Haitian. The trade volume between the two states since 2009 is estimated at 14 million U.S. dollars.
LN: Taiwan is it part of the Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (IHRC)? How does your government have responded after the earthquake that brought Haiti to the headlines of the world last year?
BBL: Some time after the January 12 earthquake, the Taiwanese government had sent 600 relief workers in Haiti (firefighters, medical and health personnel, NGOs and foundations). Tons of equipment, tents, food was also sent to Haiti for the good of the Haitian nation. The government intends to disburse 14 million dollars to Haiti as part of its reconstruction, even if the Taiwanese government is not invited to be part of the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (IHRC).
LN: Other Taiwanese officials have they visited the country in the aftermath of this tragedy to find that as to evaluate the initiatives overseen by your embassy? If so who were they?
BBL: In August 2010, we had the honor of hosting our first lady, Chow Mei-ching, who led for three days a delegation to Haiti as Goodwill Ambassador of World Vision Taiwan. We had two special envoys of the President, the Minister of Agriculture, to attend a conference in the Dominican Republic and has visited Haiti to assess post-earthquake cooperation projects. And May 14 this year, Vice Premier Chen Chun led a delegation which participated in the inauguration of President Joseph Michel Martelly. We also had ministerial delegations of Public Health to strengthen relations of cooperation. The First Lady is the most important person in Taiwan who visited Haiti since the beginning of the relationship between the two peoples.
LN: How much is the number of Taiwanese moving on Haitian soil?
BBL: With regard to Taiwanese nationals, we are evolving a quarantine in Haiti. Most of them are our colleagues from the Embassy (7) and our mission staff Thermal (26). And we have some Taiwanese investors in three companies: the textile company Fairway (Tanny Liu), the Taiwanese firm of public works, OECC (Overseas Engineering Construction Company) and the Chez Wou (Petion-Ville, Place Boyer ). In Taiwan, there are about sixty of Haitians who are in the majority of stock.
LN: One last word, Mr. Ambassador.
BBL: Taiwan is trying to do his best to cooperate with the Haitian people. It is with us a firm and constant. We will work harder to have a communication, mutual understanding, closer, deeper and more united. The Taiwanese people would like to have a very rapid growth to regain an important place in the comity of nations, as was the case in previous years. To achieve this, the support of Haiti is essential and decisive. More news Haiti news
The Nouvelliste (LN): Ambassador Bernard Liu Bang-Zug, could you introduce our readers to the Republic of China (Taiwan)?
Bernard Liu Bang-Zug (BBL), I am very happy, very happy and very proud to have the opportunity to talk about bilateral relations between Haiti and Taiwan. Taiwan is an Asian country with an area of ??36,008 km2 is 20% greater than that of Haiti, with a population of 23,040,040 inhabitants. For us, the population density is very high at 630, 86 inhabitants per km2.
We have many challenges. We spent our time in economic development. We succeeded, and why? Because Taiwan is rather an exporting country, we do not really have the resources and raw materials. But what we have now, they are human and they are our main assets. And we take advantage of the well-being of our population and also struggle to be more present on the international stage. Before going into detail, I take this opportunity to tell you that the Republic of China was founded in 1911 - the first republic in Asia. Since then, my country has developed into a modern society. Some years later, unfortunately, we had a civil war between nationalism and communism. And the central government was forced to settle in Taipei. If some of you say that Taiwan is not a country, it is incorrect. Those who vote and are not realistic. Maybe they are not familiar with the history of the Republic of China.
LN: What about the recognition of Taiwan on the international stage except to have an embassy in Haiti?
BBL: The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is still there. As I have said, there is the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan). This will allow friendly countries to raise the distinction between the two states. When we speak, there are 117 countries around the world that grant Taiwan a visa-free treatment. The Taiwanese can travel and travel in those countries without a visa and freely. In fact, they are friends who show us their trust. While the Chinese mainland do not have these privileges. We can say that Taiwan is a real state.
LN: When was the relationship between Taiwan and Haiti?
BBL: Since 1956, Haiti recognizes the Nationalist Republic of China. For a long time, Taiwan will represent China at the United Nations, in 1970 to finally give way to the People's Republic of China. Nevertheless, the traditional relations with Taiwan in Haiti are still maintained. Relations between the two countries began to develop in the economic. Since the friendly relations and cooperation have grown further. Despite the challenges Taiwan faces in the international arena, the Republic of Haiti has always been attached to Taiwan to support him during these 56 years of very close relations.
LN: Because of the great challenges facing Taiwan in the international arena, in which direction would you like to receive more precisely the contribution of Haiti?
BBL: The Haitian government can still play a significant role in more concrete for our cause on our integration in the various activities on the international scene, especially in organizations heat. For example, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Organisation for Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) because we, the Republic of China, want to bring more of our experiences, share the security concerns of all countries the world, we seek significant support from the Republic of Haiti.
Time allows us to know each other. We know each other better. Our government is determined to do his best to support Haiti in its crusade for sustainable development. And invite the authorities of Haiti to get on our side to help us carve out a prominent place at the international level, especially with the Framework Convention on Climate Change and our presence as a member or observer within ICAO, since each year it accounts for more than 4 million flights in our airspace.
LN: What about the diplomatic mission to Haiti in the territory of Taiwan?
BBL: The Embassy of Haiti in Taipei is installed since 1958. For three years, Haiti has no accredited ambassador in Taiwan. For now, the embassy is headed by Charge d'Affaires Chouloute Mario, a former student of the Centre for Diplomatic and International (CEDI).
LN: What are the priority areas and sectors of cooperation between Taiwan and Haiti?
BBL: Before the earthquake of January 12, 2010, the areas of infrastructure and agriculture were the main areas of focus in my country. After the earthquake, we continued our work in these areas, while focusing on other areas: cooperation in the health sector, the relocation of victims, vocational training and assistance to orphans and disadvantaged children.
Regarding the relocation of victims, is being built to Diane Savane (Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye), located in the Artibonite Department, Borough of Marmelade, a town called "Hope Village" which will be with 200 homes for people in difficult situations, including schools to accommodate children, a health center and an auditorium for cultural activities. Work whose cost amounts to nearly U.S. $ 5 million started in June 2011 and will expire in August 2012. Next to this village, there was a food security project through the cereal crop produced on 322 hectares of land to the beneficiaries of these 200 homes, funding of 3 million U.S. dollars. And finally, the construction of six bridges in Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye whose work will take place over a period of ten months for a total of 1.75 million U.S. dollars to facilitate the movement of people in this region. The total cost is 10 million U.S. dollars.
On the other hand, the Taiwanese government through the World Vision Taiwan, in partnership with World Vision Haiti, has built 500 temporary houses in Croix-des-Bouquets for $ 2.115 million U.S. dollars. The work will be completed by the end of this month.
LN: We remember that Haiti has already been visited by ministerial delegations of Public Health of Taiwan in the past month. Could you tell us about the actions related to this sector, initiated by the two countries?
BBL: We also worked with the Haitian Government through the Ministry of Health (National laboratory) through donations of equipment and testing of pharmaceuticals against contagious diseases. On the other hand, a dozen senior National Laboratory have received training in Taiwan to expand their knowledge. It also has projects in health, especially in the department of Artibonite (non-contagious disease: blood pressure and diabetes) whose cost reached 2.6 million U.S. dollars.
LN: The real needs of Haiti in training and construction, especially after January 12, are immense. Can you assess the contribution of Taiwan in these areas?
BBL: Our government has organized training for 200 Haitian masons in the former premises of our embassy. This training has cost 150,000 U.S. dollars. For now, our technicians are currently providing training in handicrafts and bamboo planting for the benefit of people who will live in the houses we're building to Savane Diane.
On the other hand, we have the assistance project for orphans and destitute children run by World Vision Taiwan has identified more than 1500 children from various shelters in the metropolitan area of ??Port-au- Prince. This project is funded to the tune of 1.4 million U.S. dollars.
LN: What can you tell us about your government interventions in agriculture, in addition to the products of handicrafts, bamboo?
BBL: In terms of agriculture, Taiwan's mission takes place in four regions of the country: Marmalade (project of bamboo and fruit processing), Pont-Sonde (where the headquarters of the mission thermal Taiwan, where production is done Rice and testing of rice seeds to provide the ODVA and farmers), Cayes-Jacmel (three small projects: gardening, raising chickens, planting of bamboo and handicrafts). These two projects cost $ 2 million annually. We also have a rice project in Torbeck extending over a period of three years. Until the end of next year, when the project ends, we will have a production of 20,000 tons of rice per year. Before our intervention, operations for rice production was 1.5 tons per hectare per harvest. When we arrived, we had satisfactory results: it is between 3.5 to 4 tons per hectare per harvest. We intend to move eventually to 20 000 tonnes annually.
LN: roads, bridges ... we will remember the contribution of Taiwan in the construction of Toussaint Louverture Boulevard (Airport Road). Since then, what other sites?
BBL: In terms of infrastructure, we have two recently completed projects: the stretch (Port Hi / Port-Pepper) to 32 km with a funding of 30 million U.S. dollars was inaugurated in October 2010. The road Cayes / Port-Hi was also built by Taiwan. There is also the construction of a drainage system Torbeck to facilitate the production of rice which cost 3 million U.S. dollars. This construction made by the Taiwanese NGOs OECC was recently inaugurated.
LN: In what sense the island of Formosa she facilitates the development opportunities to young Haitians, perhaps by awarding scholarships?
BBL: There are academic scholarship from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fellows of the Taiwanese government. We have eight fellows who left this Wednesday, August 24 to Taipei. And four others Thursday, August 25 for training master's and doctoral degrees. Each year, we offer ten scholarships. Besides the short-term vocational training in journalism, ecology, agronomy, finance, etc..
We try to develop this kind of cooperation because the young will become the main forces of any country, including Haiti. Since 2005, my Government attaches great importance to training young people. One important thing to note, the Haitian students are in first place among the students. They always get good grades and show exemplary behavior.
LN: At what level your embassy she contributes to strengthening the commercial side between Haiti and Taiwan?
BBL: This is a very important sector in the cooperation between the two countries. The embassy collects information from Taiwanese investors to discuss the opportunities and potential markets. Taiwanese products imported into Haiti are the solar panels, computers and electronic devices. While coconut, coffee and other products are exported to Taiwan Haitian. The trade volume between the two states since 2009 is estimated at 14 million U.S. dollars.
LN: Taiwan is it part of the Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (IHRC)? How does your government have responded after the earthquake that brought Haiti to the headlines of the world last year?
BBL: Some time after the January 12 earthquake, the Taiwanese government had sent 600 relief workers in Haiti (firefighters, medical and health personnel, NGOs and foundations). Tons of equipment, tents, food was also sent to Haiti for the good of the Haitian nation. The government intends to disburse 14 million dollars to Haiti as part of its reconstruction, even if the Taiwanese government is not invited to be part of the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (IHRC).
LN: Other Taiwanese officials have they visited the country in the aftermath of this tragedy to find that as to evaluate the initiatives overseen by your embassy? If so who were they?
BBL: In August 2010, we had the honor of hosting our first lady, Chow Mei-ching, who led for three days a delegation to Haiti as Goodwill Ambassador of World Vision Taiwan. We had two special envoys of the President, the Minister of Agriculture, to attend a conference in the Dominican Republic and has visited Haiti to assess post-earthquake cooperation projects. And May 14 this year, Vice Premier Chen Chun led a delegation which participated in the inauguration of President Joseph Michel Martelly. We also had ministerial delegations of Public Health to strengthen relations of cooperation. The First Lady is the most important person in Taiwan who visited Haiti since the beginning of the relationship between the two peoples.
LN: How much is the number of Taiwanese moving on Haitian soil?
BBL: With regard to Taiwanese nationals, we are evolving a quarantine in Haiti. Most of them are our colleagues from the Embassy (7) and our mission staff Thermal (26). And we have some Taiwanese investors in three companies: the textile company Fairway (Tanny Liu), the Taiwanese firm of public works, OECC (Overseas Engineering Construction Company) and the Chez Wou (Petion-Ville, Place Boyer ). In Taiwan, there are about sixty of Haitians who are in the majority of stock.
LN: One last word, Mr. Ambassador.
BBL: Taiwan is trying to do his best to cooperate with the Haitian people. It is with us a firm and constant. We will work harder to have a communication, mutual understanding, closer, deeper and more united. The Taiwanese people would like to have a very rapid growth to regain an important place in the comity of nations, as was the case in previous years. To achieve this, the support of Haiti is essential and decisive. More news Haiti news
Source...