This Friday, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) welcomed a delegation from the Canadian Parliament led by Parliament member and President of the Taiwan-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group Judy Sgro. The delegation will attend the upcoming inauguration ceremony on May 20.
Speaking at a banquet for the delegation, President Tsai thanked Sgro for her continuous efforts to encourage the Canadian government to support Taiwan’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canada currently serves as the rotating chair of the CPTPP commission, putting them in a good position to advocate for Taiwan’s membership.
Tsai said that including Taiwan in the CPTPP would mutually benefit both countries, and expand both Taiwan and Canada’s global presence. She also stressed the importance of staying united as democratic nations and maintaining peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
In her speech, Sgro mentioned the past two years of negotiations Taiwan and Canada have conducted, which culminated in the signing of a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement. Bilateral trade and investment has greatly improved between the two nations, particularly after Taiwan fully opened its market to Canadian beef imports.
Sgro expressed her understanding that Taiwan’s main priority is to join the CPTPP, assuring Tsai and other attendees that she will continue appeals to the Canadian Prime Minister and relevant ministries in support of Taiwan’s membership.