Two Singaporean newspapers have published an article by Premier Mao Chi-kuo.
The article makes the case for Taiwan’s inclusion in the second round of talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The article appeared in Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao and Today on Friday.
In the article, Mao congratulated Singapore for its role in the complex twelve-nation TPP negotiations that produced an agreement in October. He also reiterated Taiwan’s interest in joining the trade bloc.
Mao wrote that Taiwan is an important Asia-Pacific economy that plays a vital role in the region’s supply chain. He said that Taiwan is vigorously promoting trade liberalization in response to regional integration and global economic challenges.
According to the article, Taiwan has tripled its trade volume with Asia-Pacific countries over the past decade. Its trade volume with the twelve TPP members has reached US$200 billion a year.
He appealed to Singapore to support Taiwan’s inclusion in the trade pact. He said that Taiwan’s inclusion would benefit both economies and support a common desire for peace and prosperity in the region.