Tsai’s APEC envoy seeks support for Taiwan’s CPTPP bid at economic leaders’ meetin

2021/11/16

Taiwan is willing and able to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership while promoting free trade with fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies, according to Morris Chang, founder and former chairman of the world’s largest chipmaker, Hsinchu City-headquartered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
 
As the country’s envoy to the online 2021 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting hosted by New Zealand Nov. 12, Chang said economic integration has helped the region foster closer trade ties. To accelerate such integration, Taiwan has applied to join the CPTPP, an agreement that will liberalize investment while boosting regional sustainable growth, he added.
 
Taiwan plays a vital role in global high-tech supply chains, Chang said, adding that the country has a highly-transparent market economy that is certain to meet the high standards of the CPTPP.
 
Chang made the remarks during a press conference following the meeting Nov. 13 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
 
According to Chang, free trade in accordance with national security needs is key to achieving resilient supply chains and creating prosperity for APEC member economies. He also cited the recent shortage of critical components, stating that a free market is still the best solution.
 
Chang further reiterated that Taiwan is willing to share its success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic via digital technology with other member economies, and looks forward to participating in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting staged by Thailand next year.
 
APEC was established in 1989 to achieve greater regional integration and prosperity through delivering balanced, inclusive, innovative, secure and sustainable growth. Since joining in 1991, Taiwan has made substantial contributions to numerous initiatives and projects spanning such areas as disaster prevention, food security, ICT and women’s economic empowerment.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)