Taiwan and the United States on Tuesday completed the second round of discussions over a free trade agreement. Chief negotiator John Deng (鄧振中) says he is satisfied with this round of negotiations and both sides hope to sign a preliminary agreement in the coming weeks.
This round of talks took place in Taipei. Negotiator Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) represented Taiwan, while trade official Terry McCartin represented the United States.
Deng says both sides discussed trade facilitation, legal operations, anti-corruption measures, and small and medium enterprises. He says the two sides have already reached a consensus on most provisions, and only a small number require further consultations.
Deng says he hopes to use the results of this week’s discussions to sign a preliminary agreement. He says the remaining provisions can then be added after both countries reach a consensus on them.
The negotiations are part of the US-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative, which began in June last year. Deng says the location and date of the next round of negotiations has yet to be set.