Taiwan has urged Vietnam to “fairly and effectively” process its application to join a major 12-member regional economic bloc, as the Southeast Asian country will be the bloc’s chair next year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs Director-General Lien Yu-ping (連玉蘋) made the appeal at a routine press conference in response to media queries about Taiwan’s prospects to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Vietnam is to serve as chair of the CPTPP council next year, and its responsibilities would include hosting commission meetings and handling administrative duties related to the accession process for potential new members.
Photo: Taipei Times
Asked whether she was concerned that Vietnam, known for its close ties with China, could have a negative impact on Taiwan’s hope for accession, Lien said Taiwan simply would like Vietnam to process Taiwan’s application in a fair and timely manner.
Taiwan’s accession could benefit Vietnam more than other CPTPP members, as that the two sides would get reciprocal tariff-free treatment if Taiwan becomes a member, Lien said, adding that Taiwanese companies have a huge presence in Vietnam’s supply chain.
The CPTPP is one of the biggest trade blocs in the world, representing about 15 percent of the global economy.
It has 12 members: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the UK.
China applied to join the CPTPP on Sept. 16, 2021, about a week before Taiwan applied to join on Sept. 22 that same year.
Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, has opposed Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP. This has led to concern in Taiwan that a successful bid by China could sink Taiwan’s hopes of joining the bloc.
The requirements set by the CPTPP for new members include meeting the trade pact’s high standards, demonstrating a strong track record of meeting trade obligations and garnering a consensus among all members.
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