President Tsai Ing-wen said Oct. 14 that Taiwan and the EU should commence bilateral investment agreement negotiations so as to create opportunities benefiting both sides and the rest of the world.
Taiwan and the EU share the values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, Tsai said. This makes the country a reliable and natural partner for the EU in the areas of economy, regional security and trade and investment, she added.
BIA talks could be the beginning of an even more concrete partnership for global democracies, Tsai said, adding that the future can only be bright with Taiwan and the EU working together as partners and friends.
Tsai made the remarks during her opening address at the virtual EU Investment Forum Oct. 14 in Taipei City. Jointly organized by the Ministries of Foreign and Economic Affairs in conjunction with the European Economic and Trade Office, the daylong event focused on digital economy and green energy.
High-profile participants included MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, MOEA Minister Wang Mei-hua, Sabine Weyand, director-general of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade, and EETO Head Filip Grzegorzewski.
Tsai said the government and people of Taiwan are grateful for the donations of COVID-19 vaccine doses by EU member states Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia. This virtuous cycle of mutual support enables like-minded partners to continue combating coronavirus and accelerating economic recovery in the post-pandemic era, she added.
According to Tsai, Taiwan invested a record US$5.2 billion in the EU since September 2020. A total US$49 billion flowed into Taiwan from the EU to date, making it the country’s leading source of foreign direct investment, she said.
In particular, the digital economy and green energy—two pillars of the EU’s economic recovery plan—complement the government’s six core strategic industries, Tsai said. Through cooperation, these key sectors can help fast-track the global post-pandemic bounceback, she added.
Unveiled by Tsai during her May 2020 inauguration, the six core strategic industries comprise information and digital technology; cybersecurity; biotech and medical technology; national defense; green and renewable energy; and strategic stockpile industries.
As part of government efforts to capitalize on a solid foundation of Taiwan-EU collaboration, Tsai said, a high-level delegation led by National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin will visit the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Slovakia later this month.
This will allow both sides to explore fresh fields for joint ventures and enhanced industrial tie-ups and investment with a view to advancing the bilateral economic partnership, she added. (SFC-E)
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