Taiwan's government teaches staff how to sell China-trade pact

The MOEA hopes that the internal briefings will equip its workers with the ability to introduce the economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) to their friends and relatives, and through the interpersonal network let more people understand and not be afraid of the trade deal.

"The ECFA is not a cure-all, but a pain-killer," said director-general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade Huang Chih-peng, who conducted a briefing for about 150 people on Thursday.

Huang said that if other countries which have signed free trade agreements with China can enjoy a tariff-free access, while Taiwanese products are subject to tariff, it would be very bad and harmful for Taiwan.

"Signing the ECFA with China can stop the pain, " said Huang, adding that the trade pact can also be a shot in the arm, because Taiwan's exports to China will enjoy tariff-free status while other countries will not.

As instructed by the Economics Minister Shih Yen-shiang, the MOEA will conduct several briefings on the ECFA before formal cross-Taiwan Strait negotiations on the agreement are scheduled to begin on Jan. 20.

Taiwan and China are poised to sign the trade pact in the first half of this year to pave the way for further liberalization of trade between the two sides.

However, doubts and fears about the negative impact of the trade deal have been mounting, with recent protests by tens of thousands.

Opponents said they fear the agreement would flood Taiwan with cheaper Chinese products, cause job losses and hurt Taiwan's sovereignty by making it too economically dependent on China.

This has prompted the government and the ruling party to seek ways to assuage the public's misgivings about the pact.

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