Taiwan eyes expanded regional economic exchanges

2014-08-25

Taiwan is determined to play a significant role in regional economic integration and is committed to trade liberalization, Minister of Economic Affairs Duh Tyzz-jiun said Aug. 21.

“The government will continue strengthening Taiwan’s bilateral ties with its Asia-Pacific partners and stepping up efforts to seek expanded trade collaboration.”

Duh’s remarks came in response to local media reports that progress in forging a Taiwan-Malaysia trade pact may have been slowed by opposition from mainland China.

“We can negotiate free trade or economic cooperation agreements with any of our partners,” he said. “The government will continue working to finalize such pacts in the best interests of the nation and on the foundation of cross-strait peace and prosperity.”

Taiwan has made significant headway in signing trade pacts since President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008. It concluded the Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in 2010, an investment protection pact with Japan in 2011, and ECAs with New Zealand and Singapore last year.

“The government will continue conducting free trade negotiations with mainland China and other economies in accordance with the principle of minimizing risk while maximizing opportunity,” Duh said. “Efforts to enhance multilateral economic ties remain on track.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=220929&CtNode=413)