Hsiao inspects Taiwan-aided fisheries, tourism projects in Palau

Taipei, June 9 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Tuesday visited the Palau National Aquaculture Center and a center tasked with restoring the local giant clam population to learn about the results of Taiwan-assisted fisheries projects in the Pacific state.

At the aquaculture center, Hsiao inspected a black rabbitfish fry farm and two broodstock facilities for sea cucumbers and milkfish, Taiwan's Presidential Office said in a press release.

She later visited the nearby giant clam restoration center, where she was briefed on the country's efforts to boost the clam population and achieve sustainable fisheries.

Speaking with the media before the visits, Hsiao said both centers are major bilateral collaborations between Taiwan and Palau.

Taiwanese specialists have in recent years introduced farming of milkfish and other food fish to Palau, which has helped the local economy and the preservation of marine ecology, Hsiao noted.

When asked about her scheduled visit to Belau National Hospital later in the day, Hsiao said that healthcare is a major area of collaboration between Taiwan and Palau.

Both countries have experienced a shortage of medical staff, and Taiwan has been assisting Palau in introducing digital and virtual healthcare technologies to boost the capacity of local medical institutions, Hsiao said.

Earlier in the day, Hsiao visited Malakal Island in the state of Koror where she listened to a briefing by Taiwan's CECI Engineering Consultants, Inc. on development plans to promote tourism on the island.

The development projects will ensure that local residents' opinions are taken into account, she told reporters after the briefing.

Hsiao also visited Long Island Park on Malakal with Palauan Minister of Human Resources Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Koror Governor Eyos Rudimch.