Officials from Taiwan and China yesterday appeared eager to restart dialogue and open direct trade links under the WTO framework despite also voicing reservations about whether the political barriers will make such interaction possible.
Speaking to reporters just hours before signing Taiwan's accession documents at the WTO's fourth ministerial conference in Qatar, Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Hsin-yi (
PHOTO: AP
"The WTO mechanism has channels such as bilateral and multilateral talks to resolve trade issues and, if needed, the dispute settlement board," Lin said.
"To what extent this mechanism is used will depend upon the will of the two governments to use the WTO channel," Lin said.
Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Steve Chen (
However, opening trade links will likely cause problems immediately after accession as ships and airlines that would carry goods across the Strait are still banned from travelling directly between China and Taiwan.
"The matter of moving products across the strait will immediately encounter problems ... that will be the first bilateral problem," Lin said.
Shih Guangshen (石廣生), China's minister of trade, also expressed hope both sides would use WTO entry to bolster trade ties.
"Accession to WTO by both sides of the strait will provide opportunities for the two sides of the strait to trade and conduct economic interaction," said Shih, who said China welcomed Taiwan's entry into the organization.
Shih also urged Taiwan to "seize this historic opportunity opportunity and recognize the principle of `one China' and realize the direct links in a direct two-way and reciprocal manner."
Shih's deputy, Long Yungtu (
"In accordance with the principles of non-discrimination and free trade as enshrined in the WTO, this issue of trade has to be resolved," Long said.
The statements seem to mark a change in China's attitude toward dealing with Taiwan under the WTO, as previously senior officials have said that the organization would not be the place to discuss bilateral trade issues.
Other countries eager to boost their trade with the Greater China region -- China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan -- are hoping that Beijing and Taipei can establish a comprehensive direct trading relationship under the WTO.
Jayant Bhuyan, secretary-general of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, which has around one million members, said the accession of China and Taiwan would do away with the need for cumbersome bilateral trade deals.
"Because of the huge investments and trade Taiwan has with China as well as Hong Kong, we're really looking at a new entity, a new platform of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as an economic zone," Bhuyan said.
"They are distinct entities economically, but through trade it's almost seamless. We hope to leverage the Taiwan connection vis-a-vis investment in China."
Back in Taipei, President Chen Shui-bian (
"After entering the WTO, Taiwan will open up a new `window of the century' and `window to the world," Chen said.
"Our role in the world scene will obtain due confirmation. Our status, rights and interests will be better protected, while our responsibility and obligations will become heavier in the future," Chen said.
He promised that Taiwan will abide by the rules of the WTO when participating in activities conducted under the WTO framework.
The president, meanwhile, welcomed the simultaneous accession of China into the world body.
Chen said WTO membership will help extend China's reformation and opening policy, lead China further toward economic liberalization and better integrate China into the world economy.
The admission of Taiwan and China will help normalize cross-strait economic and trade ties, enabling closer contact and cooperation between both sides under a global, multilateral trade framework, he said.
He proposed that Taiwan and China seek to improve their ties based on the spirit of "friendly reconciliation, positive cooperation and long-lasting peace."
"As both sides of the Taiwan Strait are members of the WTO, they should respect each other and take part in it on equal footing for the best interests of the people from both sides," Chen said.
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