Ministry of Foreign Affairs contemplating establishment of International Non-Governmental Organization center
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Taiwan is cracking open doors for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), planning to establish a swanky new center to seed more of these orgs on the island and beef up unofficial diplomacy (or "track two" diplomacy).
Staking Out a Spot
- Picking the Right Place: After some rigorous evaluation, the ministry is zeroing in on several prime spots for the new center. As more INGOs might spring up, the chosen location needs to be spacious enough to accommodate multiple offices[1][3].
- Learning From the Past: In 2018, a center in Taichung's Wufeng District kicked off, but it bit the dust due to funding troubles[1]. Today, that former hub's refurbished building leases office spaces.
Financing the Center
- Budget Allocation: Once the perfect location is greenlit, the ministry will set aside funds for the center's construction and grand opening in its fiscal year 2026 budget[1][2][3].
- Past Snags: Funding shortfalls was the downfall of the previous center, leading to its closure and a transition to office rentals[1].
Perks for INGOs
- Supercharging Diplomacy: Bolstering INGO presence in Taiwan is vital for elevating unofficial diplomacy, which forges substantial international ties and collaborations[1][3].
- Reeling in More INGOs: The new center is anticipated to lure more organizations to Taiwan. Since 2016, MOFA has helped 13 INGOs set up shops in Taiwan and is engaged with another 37[1].
- International Reach: INGOs in Taiwan can boost the nation's global connections, bolstering more effective international partnerships and cooperation[2][3].
To entice these INGOs, the ministry is ramping up incentives:
- Year-long Rent Subsidies: The ministry's offering one-year rent subsidies to make it easier for INGOs to set up shop[1].
- Streamlined Procedures: MOFA aims to streamline administrative processes to make it simpler for INGOs to establish offices[1].
- Lowered Barriers: The hurdle for foreign foundations to open offices in Taiwan is now lower, with the minimum asset requirement reduced from NT$30 million to NT$15 million[1].
- One-Stop Shop: A bilingual website, https://www.taiwanngo.tw, has been created to serve as a one-stop-shop for INGOs applying to open offices in Taiwan[1].
- The establishment of the new INGO center will likely attract more organizations towards finance and business opportunities within Taiwan, as the government is seeking to bolster unofficial diplomacy through such collaborations.
- With the ministry providing incentives such as rent subsidies, streamlined procedures, lowered barriers, and a one-stop-shop website, these international non-governmental organizations might find it advantageous to invest in the business sector of Taiwan, potentially boosting the nation's economy and global connections.
