President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday expressed hope that a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) could be signed between Taiwan and the US.
She made the remarks in a meeting with Ian Steff, assistant secretary for global markets and director-general of the US and Foreign Commercial Service at the US Department of Commerce.
Taiwan plays an indispensable role in the global high-tech supply chain, Tsai said.
In light of changes in the global economy and trade frictions between the US and China, a BTA between Taiwan and the US would help ensure a reliable and safe supply chain, and boost both sides’ economic growth and prosperity, she said.
Tsai thanked Steff for the importance he has attached to Taiwan, because during his two-year tenure at the commerce department, he has visited Taiwan more than any of the US’ other trade partners.
She also thanked him for sending a letter to the top 500 US enterprises encouraging them to support deepening Taiwan-US trade ties, adding that the US government’s cross-agency support is the best example of how Taiwan-US economic relations are at their strongest.
Taiwan is not only a staunch democratic ally of the US, but also a reliable trade partner, Tsai said, adding that its free and open market has encouraged major US companies to invest in it.
For instance, Cisco Systems Inc, Google, Microsoft Corp and Amazon Web Services Inc have set up research, development and innovation centers in Taiwan, she said.
Micron Technology Inc and Applied Materials Inc have also increased their investment in Taiwan, which have helped bolster the nation’s status in the global memorychip and semiconductor supply chain, she said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Steff is visiting Taiwan for five days to exchange views with government agencies on economic and trade issues, and visit private sector representatives to discuss trade and investment.
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