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Updated Saturday, September 22, 2007 0:00 am TWN, By Dimitri Bruyas, Special to The China Post



	Officials from the Belgian Trade Office (BTO) yesterday organized a welcome party for Alain Van Bever, the new deputy-director of the BTO. Van Bever is an experienced diplomat with more than 10 diplomatic postings in Africa, South America and the Middle East. But Taiwan will be his first ... Enlarge Photo

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Belgian Trade Office welcomes new deputy-director in Taipei

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Officials from the Belgian Trade Office (BTO) yesterday organized a welcome party for Alain Van Bever, the new deputy-director of the BTO. Van Bever is an experienced diplomat with more than 10 diplomatic postings in Africa, South America and the Middle East. But Taiwan will be his first experience in Asia.

“The first thing I have noticed is the kindness of the people of Taiwan,” said Van Bever, who commented on his previous postings during the cocktail party.

He said that he was impressed by India’s beautiful landscapes, but saddened by the difficulties encountered by the population of the Republic of Congo. However, he added that in comparison with some African nations, which are very demanding, he could tell that Taiwan is technologically advanced and developed.

At the BTO, Van Bever will be in charge of administrative and legal matters such like IDs and passports. He will assist Belgian nationals’ spouses with nationality issues and local citizens with proceedings regarding visas. Every year, the BTO grants more than 2,000 visas for European countries.

“The local administration in Taiwan is very effective,” said Van Bever, who seemed confident about his future mission in Taiwan.

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