The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham) President Patrick Lin, who assumed his duties this past July, met with Minister Kuan of the Ocean Affairs Council on November 6.

   AmCham was established in Taiwan in 1951 and has more than 1,000 members from more than 500 international corporations. Over the past 25 years, AmCham has published policy white papers each year, providing the Taiwanese government with policy recommendations conducive to economic revitalization and industrial development. Minister Kuan appreciated AmCham's longstanding support.

   Minister Kuan further stated that OAC is committed to promoting upgrades and international cooperation in maritime engineering and marine industries. In response to climate change and energy transformation, OAC attaches importance to the issues of marine conservation and marine pollution while actively advancing the development of marine energy, trying to strike a balance between the development of maritime industries and energy and ecological conservation.

   On marine science and technology, the National Academy of Marine Research, a subordinate agency of OAC, will further cooperate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, including developing marine monitoring systems and exchanging marine data. This cooperation is vitally important in deepening the Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in marine scientific research.

   President Lin was pleased to say that the ocean is a vast ecosystem and that both sides can work together on many ocean issues. He looks forward to bringing more Chamber members to the Ocean Affairs Council to discuss and exchange views on ocean issues. He also hopes to attract more foreign investment into Taiwan's marine industries, further promoting interaction between the business community and Taiwan's public sectors.