As Taiwan continues its bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Foreign Ministry stated it is working to garner support through various means. The CPTPP, one of the world’s biggest trade blocs, is a trade agreement between 11 countries and requires unanimous approval from all member countries to admit new members.
With Canada assuming the 2024 Commission Chairmanship, the ministry has been building grassroots support through greater industry backing. The ministry has strengthened cooperation with Canadian supply chains and has been collaborating with Canadian think tanks to organize bilateral industrial cooperation and development seminars. So far, three seminars have been held and they aim to inject more momentum for Taiwan’s accession.
Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs Director General Lien Yu-ping (連玉蘋) underscored the support Taiwan has received. Lien said Canadian lawmaker Ken Hardie, Chair of the Special Committee on the Canada-PRC Relationship, emphasized Taiwan is a trusted friend of Canada. Hardie added that Canada welcomes all countries who meet the standards to apply for CPTPP membership. Lien mentioned the former Premier of British Columbia has also urged Canada to support Taiwan's accession to the CPTPP.
The ministry reiterates that Taiwan's membership not only enhances the supply chain resilience of member countries of the CPTPP but also strengthens global economic security.