Ma eyes increased Taiwan-EU collaboration

2015/10/01

President Ma Ying-jeou said Sept. 29 that Taiwan-EU ties are going from strength to strength, vowing to take bilateral relations to the next level through enhanced collaboration across a broad spectrum of areas.

“Since I took office in May 2008, Taiwan has made significant headway in expanding exchanges and interactions with the EU,” Ma said. “This is evidenced by the nation’s inclusion in the Schengen visa-waiver program in 2011, a move widely seen as paving the way for ROC nationals to enjoy landing visas and visa-free courtesies in 148 countries and territories worldwide.

“In addition, 79 collaborative agreements were inked during this period, encompassing customs and tariffs, education, food safety, innovation, judicial assistance, R&D, technology, telecommunications and youth working holiday programs.”

Ma made the remarks at the Presidential Office in Taipei City during a videoconference hosted by Brussels-based European Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group.

According to the president, relations between the two sides are moving steadily ahead, with the EU becoming Taiwan’s fifth largest global trading partner last year, and Taiwan the EU’s seventh largest in Asia. Two-way trade also saw a 3.7 percent increase year on year, reaching US$50.9 billion in 2014.

“This healthy state of affairs led to our inclusion in the Enterprise Europe Network in May, opening the door to a wide array of business opportunities for Taiwan’s small and medium enterprises,” he said.

“It is hoped the European Commission will start negotiations with Taiwan on a bilateral investment agreement as soon as possible, further growing this robust economic and trade partnership.”

Based on the common values of democracy, freedom, human rights and rule of law, the EU is a staunch advocate of Taiwan’s participation in global affairs, Ma said, citing the nine resolutions and 18 statements passed by the European Parliament and European External Action Service over the last seven years.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the EU for supporting Taiwan in pursuit of meaningful participation in cross-border initiatives. We will step up efforts to aid global cooperative programs like the International Civil Aviation Organization, U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and World Health Organization.”

Gowing forward, Ma said he expects Taiwan to bolster its role as a peacemaker in the Asia-Pacific while promoting resource sharing and collaboration, a common thread running through his East and South China Sea Peace Initiatives, as well as European negotiations on North Sea oil production.

“By shelving territorial disputes, it is possible to establish a mechanism of resolving conflict and developing resources by peaceful means and creating lasting prosperity and stability for all stakeholders in the region.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=237168&ctNode=2194&mp=9)