Taiwan’s participation in the just-concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila was a great success, with the member economy continuing to garner appreciation for its contributions to the organization, according to former Vice President Vincent C. Siew Nov. 19.
“Given the successful implementation of many APEC initiatives proposed by Taiwan, we should take an even more active role in regional economic integration,” Siew said at a news conference in Manila.
“APEC is the most important venue for Taiwan to express its commitment to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Regional Cooperative Economic Partnership,” he said, adding that the two trade pacts are the cornerstones of the more ambitious Free Trade Agreement of the Asia-Pacific.
Serving as President Ma Ying-jeou’s special envoy to the summit for the third time, Siew said he took the opportunity to call on participating leaders to expand the role of small and medium enterprises in regional integration.
“To this end, Taiwan has implemented a raft of measures such as the APEC Accelerator Network for Early-Stage Investment,” Siew said. “And the country looks forward to enhancing collaboration with other members to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.”
Siew also held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during which he underscored the virtues of the special partnership between the two nations. The pair also exchanged views on food safety and other issues of mutual interest.
While talking with mainland Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the event, Siew said he expressed the hope that Taipei and Beijing can fast-track negotiations on the cross-strait trade in goods agreement so as to strengthen two-way trade ties. (SFC-CM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw