Participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea helped spotlight Taiwan’s contributions to regional development across such areas as digital connectivity and inclusive growth, according to Premier Lai Ching-te Nov. 22.
After a Cabinet briefing on Taiwan’s achievements at the summit, Lai praised the delegation led by Morris Chang, representative of President Tsai Ing-wen to the Nov. 18 event, for successfully conveying the nation’s past successes and future recommendations in strengthening Asia-Pacific trade integration and technological collaboration.
These efforts boosted Taiwan’s global image and visibility, Lai said. Chang also took the opportunity to hold sidelines talks with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on issues of mutual concern, he added.
According to the premier, the delegation clearly expressed to the global community Taiwan’s commitment to expanding mutually beneficial trade through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. It also highlighted key government measures in this regard such as the New Southbound Policy.
A key plank in Tsai’s national development strategy, the NSP is enhancing Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
This initiative is firmly in line with APEC’s peoplecentric development agenda, Lai said, adding that he has instructed all relevant agencies to ramp up efforts to promote the NSP.
Lai also reaffirmed Taiwan’s determination to join the second round of accession talks for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. With the pact expected to go into effect at the end of this year, no effort is being spared in canvassing support for Taiwan’s participation through APEC activities, he said. (SFC-E)
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