The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics announced Jan. 31 its provisional figure for Taiwan’s 2012 economic growth rate at 1.25 percent. The DGBAS also said it had raised its 2013 economic growth rate projection to 3.53 percent, 0.38 percentage point higher than its previous projection. Per capita gross demostic product reached US$21,207, and the consumer price index increased by 1.31 percent in 2012, the DGBAS said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y.L. Lin sent a letter of congratulations to newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, a ministry official said Jan. 30. Kerry has long been concerned with developments in the Asia-Pacific region and takes seriously the U.S.’ relationships with countries in the region, MOFA said. Kerry supports the security provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act and backs U.S. efforts to help Taiwan increase its defensive capabilities. On cross-strait ties, Kerry believes peaceful means should be used to resolve problems, and the U.S. should encourage cross-strait dialogue.
The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Jan. 31 that the Washington State Legislature had unanimously passed resolution SR8861, which seeks to deepen bilateral trade and to strengthen cooperative exchanges with Taiwan. The resolution reaffirmed the state’s strong relations with Taiwan, welcomed the prospect of resumed trade talks between Taiwan and the U.S., and supported Taiwan’s use of appropriate methods to join international bodies concerned with the welfare of Taiwan’s people. The MOFA said this resolution affirms the ROC’s economic and democratic achievements and shows that Taiwan is a valuable member of the international community. The resumption of talks between Taiwan and the U.S. would boost trade and benefit the state as well, the MOFA added.