In the News

Ma urges EU to increase investment in Taiwan

President Ma Ying-jeou (right) receiving Francois Brottes, head of the France-Taiwan Parliament Friendship Group, at the Presidential Office July 28. (CNA)

• Publication Date：07/29/2010
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Grace Kuo

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou told the France-Taiwan Parliament Friendship Group July 28 that he hopes European Union countries can increase their investment in Taiwan.

At a reception for the group, the president also expressed a desire for a further exchange of opinions on the Trade Enhancement Measures agreement put forward by the EU.

According to Ma, the signing of the Cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) has crucial significance for Taiwan in terms of trade and foreign investment.

“Taiwan is now pushing a global investment promotion project, and investment from EU countries currently leads foreign investment in Taiwan,” the president said.

“I hope these countries can take advantage of Taiwan’s position following the signing of the trade pact with mainland China to increase their investment in the island, further promoting the nation as the hub of the Asia-Pacific region,” he continued.

Ma noted that Taiwan’s geographical location and cultural and linguistic advantages make it a springboard in the area, further benefiting the development of the trade relationship between Taiwan and France.

“Though Taiwan and France do not have diplomatic relations, our economies, culture, technology and tourism are closely interlinked,” Ma pointed out.

Taiwan is France’s fifth trading partner in East Asia, with bilateral trade reaching US$32 billion in 2009. In addition, there are 11 agreements and 56 cooperation plans in effect, as well as 165 student exchanges and collaborative research plans between the two countries.

Francois Brottes, chairperson of the France-Taiwan Parliament Friendship Group, has always supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. He is in Taiwan to gain further understanding of the nation’s dialogue with mainland China, its practice of flexible diplomacy and the effects of the ECFA on Taiwan’s international space. (THN)

Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw