Tuvalu PM back from Taiwan
By Silafaga Lalua
The Prime Minister of Tuvalu Apisai Ielemia has just returned to Tuvalu after a state visit to Taiwan, upon invitation from President Chen Shiu-Bien.
His 8 member delegation included his spouse Sikinala Ielemia, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Lotoala Metia and spouse Penieli Metia, Secretary to government Panapasi Nelesone, OPM officer Vasa Tuisiga, and his security Tualua Teponga.
They arrived in the country on Tuesday morning and Prime Minister was able to talk to the media the following morning, revealing the results of negotiations held with officials from the Taiwan government. Some of them are;
1. Taiwan’s grant to Tuvalu increases
The Republic of China on Taiwan has agreed to increase its financial assistance to Tuvalu by US1.5 million dollars, bringing the total grant to a US5 million.
Apisai Ielemia told Tuvalu news that the grant will last two years from 2007 to 2009.
At the end of 2009 both countries will review the grant.
2. Nivaga Lua to repair
Tuvalu’s oldest vessel MV Nivaga Lua is going to undergo repairs as early as beginning of next year if all its spare parts are ordered and ready in Taiwan.
Following a feasibility study of the vessel carried out by experts from China Shipbuilding Corporation’s experts in June this year, a request was put to President Chen during Prime Minister’s trip to Palau in August this year if Taiwan could repair the vessel.
During his visit to Taiwan - President Chen revealed that the government of Taiwan has agreed to carry out repairs on the Nivaga Lua as soon as all spare parts have reached Taiwan from England.
This repair is expected to cost 1.3 million US dollars and Taiwan is going to foot the bill.
The British government who donated the ship had not been asked to repair it.
The vessel is expected to go to Taiwan for the repairs to be carried out, and Prime Minister is really thankful to Taiwan for agreeing to do this.
3. Ching-Fu-NAFICOT Joint Venture
Ielemia had time to visit with the Ching-Fu Shipbuilding Company which is going to build a fishing vessel under the Ching-Fu-NAFICOT Joint Venture upon receipt of Tuvalu’s 2.6 million US dollars’ contribution towards the building of the ship.
Tuvalu has requested the government of Taiwan if it can meet the cost and it has agreed to give Tuvalu the amount under a soft loan from Taiwan’s International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF).
In the meantime the Taiwan Embassy on Funafuti and Tuvalu government officials are negotiating with ICDF to attain the 2.6 million dollars before the ship can be built.
The new ship is then expected to fish for international markets and Prime Minister hopes that the Joint Venture is successful for the benefit of Tuvalu.
Ends
