Taiwan could resume TIFA talks 'very soon': David Lin

But a more exact timetable will not be open to the public because of a mutual agreement reached between the two governments, Lin added.

Asked if the trade talks with the U.S. under the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) will happen before the Lunar New Year break in February, Lin said the date will come “very soon.”

“Taipei and Washington will have to reach a consensus on the reopening date first before making an official announcement,” Lin said yesterday on the sidelines of a swearing-in ceremony for diplomats stationed overseas in Taipei, yesterday.

Talks under TIFA, which was signed in 1994 as a framework for Taiwan-U.S. dialogue on trade-related issues in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, have been suspended since 2007 due to U.S. dissatisfaction with Taiwan's restrictions on imports of American beef.

Meanwhile, commenting on U.S. President Barack Obama's policy toward Taiwan in his second four-year term, Lin yesterday said that relations between the two countries have made great strides over the past four years under President Ma Ying-jeou's administration.

Ma sent Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng to attend Obama's second-term inauguration, exemplifying how important the government views Taiwan-U.S. ties, he added.

Lin said he expects bilateral relations to continue to grow during Obama's second term.

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