ROC President Ma Ying-jeou called for closer economic ties between Taiwan and Europe during a meeting with British parliamentarians Jan. 4 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
“Initiating discussions on such matters with our European partners is on our short-term agenda,” Ma said. “We also look forward to expanding bilateral trade relations via institutionalized negotiation channels.”
Comprising Baroness Perry, Lord Faulkner, Lord Grantchester, Lord Rogan, Brian Donohoe MP, Greg Hands MP and Virenda Sharma MP, the delegation of All-Party Parliamentary British-Taiwanese Group members arrived Jan. 3 for a seven-day visit.
The president said that the U.K.’s decision to grant visa-free entry to ROC nationals in March 2009 has played a significant role in boosting academic, commercial and cultural exchanges.
“Taiwanese visitors to the U.K. increased by 107 percent in 2009 from the previous year,” Ma said. “Between January and October 2010, bilateral trade also posted a 26 percent year-on-year rise.”
In addition, the president paid tribute to the U.K. for its decision, which saw Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the EU follow suit by including Taiwan in their visa-waiver programs.
Ma also expressed gratitude for the U.K.’s unwavering support of Taiwanese efforts to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization, U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and World Health Organization. (JSM)
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw