Somaliland signs information technology agreement with Taiwan

Taiwan launching its office in Somaliland in August of 2020 (Facebook, MOFA photo) 

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Somaliland signed an agreement with Taiwan on March 3 to upgrade the digitalization of the East African country’s government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced Thursday (March 11).

Taiwan’s opening of a representative office in the Somaliland capital of Hargeisa last August was seen as a major diplomatic breakthrough for the island. Somaliland launched its own office in Taipei on Sept. 9.

The new accord was signed by a Taiwanese information technology assistance group in Somaliland as well as the country’s Ministry of Telecommunications and Technology, CNA reported.

A three-year plan will involve training qualified staff, launching a cross-ministry data exchange platform, and improving the Somaliland government’s internet management, according to MOFA.

Taiwan already manages two other development programs in Somaliland: one targets the health of pregnant women and infants, and the other aims to improve the quality of vegetables grown in the country.

While both Taiwan and Somaliland lack international recognition and must battle relative isolation, there have been no signs yet that they wish to upgrade the relationship to full diplomatic recognition.

Source:taiwannews.com.tw/