President Tsai Ing-wen says she hopes that the United States will provide concrete support in Taiwan’s bid for participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Tsai was speaking on Tuesday while meeting with chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan, Raymond Burghardt, on his last visit to Taiwan before leaving the post.
Tsai said the US is Taiwan’s most vital strategic partner. She said that stable relations between Taiwan and the US have been the cornerstone for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Tsai said she hopes that the US will provide more specific support in Taiwan’s bid to join the TPP trade pact.
“In terms of economic integration, the Taiwan government is actively pushing for trade liberalization and structural adjustment of industries, as well as doing the preparation work to join the TPP," said Tsai. "I want to thank the US for the many times it has publicly said that it welcomes Taiwan to join the TPP. I also hope that the US can be more specific in its actions to support us in the second round of consultations.”
Tsai said Taiwan has the ability and the willingness to contribute even more to the world in the areas of public health, humanitarian aid, aviation safety and anti-terror measures. Tsai also thanked the US for supporting Taiwan’s involvement in international agencies, such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.