Ma vows trade liberalization in second term

Congratulating the European Union as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, the president attended the ECCT gathering where European businesses celebrated their friendship and cooperation with the Taiwanese government and the local business community.

The EU is Taiwan's fourth biggest trade partner, from whom Taiwan has learned lessons such as maintaining peace in cross-strait relations, in addition to the economic benefits Taiwan has earned over the years.

The next step the government would like to take in its relationship with the EU is to explore the feasibility of signing further economic cooperation agreements with the EU, to which ECCT Chairman Chris James also expressed encouragement and support.

Taiwan would like to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in eight years, Ma said, pointing out that the government is currently laying foundations for taking part in the pact. Taiwan is preparing to open up its markets further, and has taken steps toward that goal by signing trade accords with various nations, such as the pact for the liberalization, promotion and protection of investments with Japan, and the upcoming economic cooperation agreement with New Zealand.

Ma also expressed appreciation to the EU for supporting Taiwan in its participation in international organizations such as the 2011 World Health Assembly, and for granting Taiwan visa-free status in January last year.

Statistics from March 2011-2012 indicated that without the requirement of a visa, the number of Taiwanese visitors to Europe has increased by 47 percent. The number of youths taking working holiday trips to Germany and the UK has also greatly increased, Ma said.

Moving Toward a Sustainable Taiwan

The ECCT chairman voiced challenges that the chamber believes Taiwan is facing: to maintain Taiwan's competitiveness among global economies, to deal with demographic changes, and to take a path toward sustainable economic development.

The government should take initiatives in reducing Taiwan's carbon emissions, James said, acknowledging the government's commitment based on Ma's campaign promises.

James also urged the government to further make use of solutions offered by European technology and innovation to help industries lower carbon emissions.

SHARE CLOSE
Blogger		Google+
Live Journal		Plurk
Stumble Upon

Tweet

	PREVIOUS ARTICLE
	FTC to review Nexon takeover bid of game firm, may issue fine

NEXT ARTICLE
Electric fences to ward off Taoyuan airport intruders

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email

Submit