Swedish envoy says trade pact good for China ties

Bystrom was referring to an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which Taiwan hopes to sign with China by early next year.

He made the comments after receiving an Economic Medal from Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang at the ministry for his outstanding contribution to Taiwan-Sweden exchanges in both the government and private sectors.

In principle, the pact should be a pact that would help Taiwan and China forge closer trade and economic relations -- which Bystrom said will be a welcome development for many people.

He hailed Taiwan as an open society with friendly people and a bright future, but he pointed out that Taiwan is facing a serious challenge of building value-added brands in the world market amid fierce competition in the region as many Taiwan based companies have relocated their operations to China.

Bystrom, who has been representative of the Swedish Trade Council Taipei since August 2001, will retire from the post by the end of this year.

During his tenure of more than 10 years in Taipei, the Swedish envoy has helped push the two countries to clinch mutually beneficial pacts on two-way cooperation concerning energy and environment conservation, telecommunications and the avoidance of double taxation.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email