More negotiations needed to get trade pact with Panama

Taiwanese and Panamanian officials concluded their fourth round of bilateral talks on a free-trade agreement on Friday in Florida, with calls for a special meeting next month to clear the way for a new round of negotiations, trade officials said yesterday.

The delegation led by Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Ruey-long (陳瑞隆) and the mission headed by Vice Minister of Commerce and Industry Meliton Arrocha agreed to meet from June 16 to 20 to work out a list of key agricultural products ahead of the next round of bilateral talks planned for the middle of July, officials said.

The two countries will also hold a three-day session to review draft accords on tariff-reductions and other issues.