President Tsai calls for closer Taiwan-Japan economic ties
2017/09/29
President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 27 that she hopes Taiwan and Japan can forge closer economic ties on the basis of the two countries’ robust relations by inking a reciprocal economic partnership agreement.
The president made the remarks while receiving Mitsuo Ohashi, chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, at the Office of the President in Taipei City. She added that she is grateful for the association’s long-term efforts in deepening bilateral ties.
Noting Japan’s call for Taiwan’s involvement in this year’s World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, Tsai expressed gratitude for the East Asian neighbor’s continuous support regarding the country’s international participation.
The president stated that Taiwan recognizes its responsibility as a member of the global community, citing the recently released Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. She also expressed her hope that the country can play a greater role in regional economic integration through taking part in accords such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
According to the president, Taiwan is also seeking more possibilities for cooperation in South and Southeast Asia through the government’s New Southbound Policy. Tsai said that she hopes more Japan enterprises can join hands with Taiwan corporations in exploring latent business opportunities in the initiative’s target countries.
A key plank of Tsai’s national development strategy, the initiative aims to deepen Taiwan’s ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand in areas spanning agriculture, business, culture, education, tourism and trade.
Formerly known as the Interchange Association, Japan, the organization was rechristened the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in January this year.
Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2&post=122309)
