Taipei and Brussels should work together and do more to expand robust bilateral economic exchanges, EU Representative to Taiwan Frederic Laplanche said March 14.
“I think both the EU and Taiwan find current trade cooperation and exchanges satisfactory,” said Laplanche, head of Taipei-based European Economic and Trade Office. “Overall, our relations are fairly healthy.”
Laplanche made the remarks at a news conference during which he reported on Taiwan-EU ties and revealed upcoming EETO events.
The healthy state of bilateral trade, Laplanche said, is illustrated by Taiwan’s standing as the 15th largest EU trading partner. In addition, the EU is Taiwan’s No. 1 source of foreign direct investment and fourth biggest trading partner, he added.
According to EETO statistics, two-way trade grew by 31.4 percent to US$4.86 billion in 2010, with both sides chalking up growth of 4 percent to 8 percent last year.
The EU envoy acknowledged, however, that there is still room for improvement in the relationship, with the most urgent issues being the removal of barriers hindering European companies from bidding for ROC government procurement projects, and double testing on EU goods.
“We cannot move forward before these issues are resolved first,” he said, adding that this would benefit Taiwan’s economy in the long run.
Concerning Taipei and Beijing’s Cross-Straits Economic Framework Agreement (ECFA), Laplanche sees the pact as helping improve the business climate on both sides to the benefit of European firms. But he said it is important Taiwan capitalizes on this momentum and continues improving its economy.
As part of EETO efforts to boost bilateral trade, Laplanche said his office will hold an EU investment seminar April 26 in Taipei to bring locals up to speed on the latest opportunities throughout the region.
Laplanche also plans to increase public awareness of the EU through the EETO Facebook page, as well as the “Practical Guide on the EU,” which will be issued to coincide with Europe Day May 9. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw