By KHT Staff
PINGTUNG — Pingtung County and Japan’s Ehime Prefecture signed a cooperation agreement Wednesday, opening the door to closer exchanges in agriculture, tourism, education and culture.
Pingtung County Commissioner Chou Chun-mi (周春米) and Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura completed the signing by video call, while Ehime Vice Governor Noriyuki Kan travelled to Pingtung with a delegation from five municipalities.
The two regions share several similarities. Both are surrounded by mountains and sea, have strong farming and fishing industries, and are investing in smart agriculture, technology and sustainable development.
Their relationship began through migratory bird conservation work linked to Kenting National Park. The new agreement turns those earlier exchanges into a broader long-term partnership. Education will be one of the first areas to expand.
Uwajima Fisheries High School is preparing exchange programmes with Donggang Senior High School and Laiyi Senior High School in Pingtung. Students are expected to work together on fisheries products while gaining international experience.
Tourism promotion is also planned. Ehime will set up a dedicated exhibition area at the World in Pingtung event in October, introducing local attractions and culture to Taiwanese visitors.
The agreement may also bring more youth exchanges and business cooperation between the two regions.
Pingtung County plans to send a delegation to Ehime in September to discuss projects in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education and culture.
The visit will be the next step in turning the agreement into regular exchanges and practical joint programmes.
Sources: Pingtung County Government and local media reports.
