Taipei, Aug. 6 (CNA) The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) will be formally launched Wednesday with the goal of helping to advance the government regional policy, the organizers said.
The date of the ceremony was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was founded on August 8, 1967, according to a statement from the foundation.
Established in May with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the TAEF is tasked with advancing the government's New Southbound Policy and facilitating more inclusive ties between Taiwan and the rest of Asia.
Its formal launch is a major milestone in the implementation of the New Southbound Policy amidst Taiwan's efforts to deepen its engagement with the rest of Asia through the participation of civil society, the TAEF said.
One of the TAEF's major responsibilities will be to help organize the annual Yushan Forum, which will be held Oct. 11-12 this year to promote Taiwan's regional status and support the government's efforts to forge a broader relationship with countries covered under its New Southbound Policy.
The foundation comprises academics and representatives of think tanks and civic groups in Taiwan.
