Taiwan could be invited to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). That’s according to a report by the Japan-based Nikkei Asian Review.
The report says that Japan will likely make inviting Thailand to join the trade agreement a priority because of the country’s importance to Japanese automakers. The report also says that Taiwan, along with Indonesia and the Philippines, are seen as potential new members as well.
On Sunday, Minister without Portfolio John Deng said that Taiwan has been making changes to its trade policy with the goal of joining the CPTPP for some time. He said these changes have included lowering customs duties on 15 categories of Japanese agricultural products, fish products, and processed food products.
Deng said that a moment to watch will be a ministerial-level CPTPP meeting scheduled to take place in Mexico during August. He said it will be worth waiting to see whether talks to admit new members to the trade block start at this meeting.
The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak may ultimately affect the timing of this meeting. But Deng said that regardless of when the meeting is held, Japan’s previously expressed support for Taiwan will continue to be key because of Japan’s leadership role in the CPTPP. He said that Taiwan will continue to work to promote its inclusion in the agreement.