Taiwanese and American officials met in Washington on Monday for the first dialogue over the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. Taiwan’s representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim says negotiations on a trade agreement could start as early as July.
The initiative was first announced on June 1. It aims to deepen economic relations between the two countries.
The Taiwanese side included Hsiao and top trade official John Deng. Deng participated virtually due to being isolated with COVID-19. Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi represented the United States.
Monday’s meeting lasted for four hours and centered on both sides expressing their views on a bilateral economic framework. The talks included a roundtable discussion with members of the U.S. Congress, as well as labor and business leaders. Ambassador Hsiao says the meeting was “productive and comprehensive.” She hopes the two sides can begin negotiations on a trade deal after a public consultation period ends on July 8.
Taiwan’s Cabinet trade office says Monday’s meeting affirmed Taiwan and the United States hold the same objectives and values. It adds both will move forward based on the results of the dialogue.