Taiwan called for stronger supply chain resilience, deeper digital trade cooperation and progress on green transformation at the 32nd APEC Ministers for Responsible Trade Meeting in China last week, the Executive Yuan’s Office of Trade Negotiations said in a news release today.
The Taiwanese delegation to the meeting, which was held in Suzhou on Friday and Saturday, was led by Minister Without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) under the name “Chinese Taipei.”
Yang was accompanied by Department of International Organizations Director-General Jonathan Sun (孫儉元) and office staff.
Photo: EPA
Taiwan expressed hope to continue engaging APEC members on regional economic integration, supporting WTO reform to strengthen the multilateral trading system and enhancing public-private cooperation to build a favorable digital trade environment, the office said.
As this year’s APEC host, China set the theme as “Building a Prosperous Asia-Pacific Community” and identified three priority areas: openness, innovation and cooperation.
Discussions focused on two main topics: building an open and predictable regional and multilateral economic and trade order, and promoting new drivers of trade and economic cooperation.
During discussions, Taiwan pushed a broad agenda centered on supply chain resilience, digital transformation and green growth, while reinforcing its role as a contributor to regional economic cooperation, the office said in the news release.
Taiwan emphasized that economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region should remain market-driven and aimed at building a predictable and inclusive economic environment, it said.
The delegation also warned that global supply chains continue to face disruption risks from geopolitical conflicts, maritime blockages and export controls, calling for stronger efforts to enhance supply chain security and resilience, it added.
Taiwan supported expanding regional cooperation on emerging economic issues — including labor standards, environmental policy, state-owned enterprises and digital trade — saying these are essential to building a more trusted and sustainable regional economic order, the news release said.
On the multilateral trading system, Taiwan reaffirmed its support for WTO reform, it said.
It highlighted concerns about market distortions and non-market industrial policies, calling for greater transparency and predictability in trade-related policy to ensure fair competition and stable supply chains, the office said.
Taiwan also backed ongoing discussions on maintaining the long-standing moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions, which helps keep digital trade costs low, while pushing for a more durable and predictable long-term arrangement, it said.
A major focus of Taiwan’s participation was artificial intelligence (AI) and digital trade, it said, adding that these areas are key drivers of economic growth across the region.
It called for deeper cooperation to ensure regulatory interoperability, trusted cross-border data flows and responsible AI governance, the office said.
The delegation emphasized the importance of reducing the digital divide and helping small and medium-sized enterprises take advantage of digital transformation opportunities, it said, highlighting Taiwan’s own domestic initiatives, including the “Ten Major AI Infrastructure Projects.”
It also said that Taiwan’s customs authorities are increasingly using AI to improve cargo risk screening and streamline trade procedures, it added.
On the green transition, Taiwan outlined its 2050 net-zero emissions roadmap, which spans energy, industry, lifestyle and societal transformation, the office said.
It emphasized the integration of AI and advanced semiconductor technologies to support smart manufacturing, low-carbon production processes and improved energy efficiency, it said.
Taiwan also highlighted efforts to promote circular economy practices and increase the use of recycled materials in industrial production, it added.
To assist businesses in adapting to tightening global climate regulations, Taiwan said it continues to provide updated regulatory guidance and advisory services through its Green Trade Information Network, it said.
Taiwan also pointed to broader priorities raised during discussions, including women’s and indigenous participation in the economy and growing intellectual property challenges amid rapid technological change and supply chain restructuring, the office added.
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