President Ma Ying-jeou met with the former mayor of Yokohoma, Nakada Hiroshi, on Tuesday. Ma said that relations with Japan have come a long way during his term and he looks forward to seeing bilateral relations continue to grow.
President Ma said one of his earliest policies was to open up closer aviation ties with neighboring countries in East Asia. These included routes between Taipei and Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai. These routes have led to closer exchanges. During his term, the number of Japanese tourists visiting Taiwan has increased from 2.5 million a year to 5.4 million a year.
President Ma said that Japan also supports Taiwan’s bid to join the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Ma said, "Japan is now joining the TPP and welcomes us to join. In this area, I believe there is much more room for cooperation. Whether we first join the TPP or sign an economic agreement with Japan, it will be very helpful for both sides."
Since Taiwan and Japan severed diplomatic ties, the two countries have signed 61 agreements. Ma said 45% of these agreements have been signed in the past eight years. He said the fishery agreement was especially key in enabling the two sides to put their disagreements aside and find ways to cooperate in sharing resources.