Trade delegation from Almere, the Netherlands led by Mayor Annemarie Jorritsma and Deputy Mayor Ben Scholten to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Created:2011-11-12
- Data Source:Bureau Of Consular Affairs
- Counter:2118
No. 374
November 11, 2011
At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan), an eight-member trade delegation led by Mayor Annemarie Jorritsma and Deputy Mayor Ben Scholten of Almere, the Netherlands will visit Taiwan on November 13-18, 2011.
During their stay, the delegation will call at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Straits Exchange Foundation, the Tainan City government, and the Taipei City government. A memorandum of understanding on urban development exchange between Taipei City and Almere will be inked by the two sides as well. To welcome the delegation, Mr. Ssu-Tsun Shen, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, will host a dinner in their honor. During the trip, the delegation will also visit China Airlines, China Pacific Catering Services, Taoyuan Free Trade Zone, Tainan Science Park, Franz Collection, Giant Bicycle, Inc., and Taiwan Sugar Corporation. Mayor Jorritsma will give a speech at both Tamkang University and National Cheng Kung University.
Ms. Jorritsma, who at different times during her career has served as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Transportation and Communications, was inaugurated as mayor of Almere in 2003. Due to her background, she commands significant political influence. She visited Taiwan for the first time in 2005, and this trip has been arranged in hopes of providing her and the rest of the delegation with a better understanding of Taiwan’s latest political and economic developments and of the improvements in cross-strait relations, thereby fostering future exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the Netherlands.(E)