A delegation from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) is visiting Taiwan to learn more about the country’s economic and political developments, as well as cross-strait relations, while promoting Taiwan-EU ties, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oct. 30.
Led by European Parliament Vice President Ryszard Czarnecki, the group comprises four other members of the EP: Nikolay Barekov, Hans-Olaf Henkel, Bernd Kolmel and Bernd Lucke, as well as Stephen Woodard, deputy secretary-general of the ECR.
During their weeklong stay until Nov. 4, the group will be received by Vice President Chen Chien-jen and Legislative Yuan President Su Jia-chyuan, as well as attend a banquet hosted by MOFA Minister David Tawei Lee. It is also scheduled to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Mainland Affairs Council, and visit Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei and European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan.
According to the MOFA, the EP is made up of 751 members representing 500 million-plus citizens in 28 EU states. It is a strong advocate of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, as illustrated most recently by the issuance of two statements by two European parliamentary friendship groups calling for the country’s expanded participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization.
On July 5, the EP passed a resolution urging the European Commission to immediately start talks with Taiwan on a bilateral investment agreement. It also played a key role in securing Taiwan’s addition in 2011 to the list of countries granted visa-free travel within the Schengen Area covering 26 European nations.
The EU is Taiwan’s fifth largest trading partner, while Taiwan is the EU’s seventh largest trading partner in Asia. Last year, two-way trade totaled US$46.4 billion, with the EU the No.1 source of foreign direct investment for Taiwan at US$41.1 billion as of September.
Strong Taiwan-EU ties extend beyond business and trade. The two sides are deepening collaboration across a wide range of areas spanning customs, education, environmental protection, food safety, innovative research, mutual legal assistance, technology and youth working holiday programs, according to the MOFA. (SFC-E)
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