The incoming director of the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office visited Taipei City Hall

According to the Taipei City Government, Marl Pearson, the incoming director of the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office (NZCIO), paid International Affairs Commissioner Tom Chou a courtesy call at city hall on February 14. The officials discussed everything from transportation to culture to pandemic preparedness.

Representative Pearson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the director of NZCIO, saying that Taipei is a vibrant city. In 2015, Wellington, New Zealand's capital, formed partner city connections with Taipei City. He believes that the friendship and collaboration between the two cities would grow even stronger.

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Marl Pearson wishes to promote exchange between Taipei City and Wellington. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government)

Commissioner Chou stated that visiting cities in other countries is challenging because of the ongoing worldwide epidemic. Taipei City, despite this, continues to link with the rest of the world. It participated in virtual mayor-to-mayor talks with seven international cities in 2021 to discuss subjects ranging from cultural exchanges to pandemic preparedness. He is optimistic that Taipei will gain a lot from interactions with Wellington, and he has proposed an online meeting between the mayors of Taipei and Wellington.

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Director Pearson expressed strong interest in a future exchange of Taiwanese and New Zealand indigenous peoples. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government)

Chou also stated that Taipei will continue to seek internationalization by inviting other countries' local representative offices to collaborate with city hall in the planning of cultural activities and exhibitions. In 2021, there were a total of 18 such incidents.

Director Pearson indicated strong interest in a future exchange of Taiwanese and New Zealand indigenous peoples. He hopes to collaborate with city hall on a cultural event that includes both Maori and Taiwanese indigenous peoples. He also mentioned previous filmmaking collaboration between the two cities through their respective municipal film commissions, and expressed interest in continuing this relationship.