President Ma Ying-jeou says that Taiwan is determined to join regional trade pacts, including the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). He was speaking on Wednesday with Taiwan’s APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) delegation, which is preparing to head to the forum in the Philippines.
Ma called on the delegation to tell the APEC forum of Taiwan’s determination to join the TPP and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
"I expect that former Vice President Vincent Siew and the members of the delegation will take this opportunity to convey Taiwan’s determination to join the TPP and RCEP and participate in negotiations with relevant countries," said Ma.
As an APEC member, Taiwan has been promoting free trade and regional economic integration. Ma said that Taiwan’s high tech industry and investment have contributed to the development of Asia-Pacific economies.
APEC envoy Vincent Siew says he will work to get international support for Taiwan’s participation in regional trade bodies. Taiwan is also hoping to host a future APEC forum. Siew says that while he is in the Philippines for this year’s forum on November 18-19, he will also meet with Taiwanese businesspeople there to promote bilateral trade.