The next round of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement talks between Taiwan and the United States will address such issues as investments, technical barriers to trade and enforcement of intellectual property rights, according to Raymond F. Burghardt, chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan.
Burghardt made his remarks during a Nov. 30 speech in Taipei. He characterized the TIFA as “an important mechanism for strengthening bilateral trade relations” that could help “resolve outstanding trade and investment issues.”
Other matters to be discussed in future TIFA talks include pharmaceuticals and medical devices, agriculture, transparency and other topics of mutual concern, he added.
Noting that the U.S. sees Taiwan as one of its most important economic partners, the chairman said the U.S. is interested in deepening bilateral cooperation in the areas of electronic commerce, customs administration, trade facilitation and labor affairs.
“We believe that this represents a full and balanced agenda of market access and cooperative activities that will assist in moving the trade relationship to its next level of performance,” he said.
When commenting on Taiwan’s trading relationship with other important economies, Burghardt hailed the cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement as furthering regional peace, stability and prosperity.
As the ECFA develops, it will help lower trade and investment barriers in the region, precisely what the U.S. has been calling for among Asian countries, Burghardt said. He added that open and fair trading environments are good for the global economy.
Taiwan is also expected to take advantage of the ECFA in making itself a more attractive place to trade and invest. It can be done by facilitating American and other foreign firms’ efforts to base regional operations in Taiwan, Burghardt said.
During his speech the chairman extended his congratulations to Taiwan’s five newly elected municipal mayors. He praised Taiwan for its peaceful democratic process, saying democracy “is a very important common bond between the people of Taiwan and America.” (HZW)
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw