MOEA launches TPP project office

2016/01/30

An office charged with enhancing public communication on Taiwan’s bid for accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership was launched in Taipei City Jan. 27 by the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs.

At the inauguration ceremony for the TPP Communication Projects Office, MOEA Minister Deng Chen-chung reiterated the importance of reaching a public consensus on the issue as the trade accord will have wide-ranging impacts on Taiwan.

“The 12 founding members of the TPP comprise 36 percent of global gross domestic product,” Deng said. “Membership in the trade pact is imperative to Taiwan as these economies account for about US$100 billion of the country’s total exports.

“Securing inclusion in the TPP will promote investment by member states in Taiwan while enabling local firms to better position themselves in the global supply chain,” the minister added.

Staffed with around 50 officials from the ministry’s Bureau of Foreign Trade and Office of Trade Negotiations, the TPPCPO is responsible for communicating with members of the society on Taiwan’s bid and seeking input from domestic stakeholders on related government policies.

The ministry said during the year, the office will organize a raft of activities to keep the public abreast of related developments and possible challenges the pact will bring to sectors vulnerable to greater trade liberalization.

These include industry outreach meetings in 22 cities and counties, various promotional campaigns, as well as events on university campuses such as debate roundtables, forums and seminars.

In order for the country to meet the high standards for entry to the nascent trade bloc, an equally important task is to continue bringing local laws and regulations in line with international practices, especially those pertaining to e-commerce, environmental protection and labor rights, Deng said.

Proposed by the U.S. in 2008, the TPP agreement will be formally concluded Feb. 4 in New Zealand by its 12 founding members.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241816&ctNode=2194&mp=9)