Want China Times
Date: 2015-06-05
By: CNA
Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday that the United States has suggested
Ma Ying-jeou speaks at a forum in Taipei, June 3. (File photo/CNA)
that Taiwan use the US-South Korea free trade agreement (FTA) as a model in its preparations for joining the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade bloc.
Taiwan has been upping its efforts to push for its TPP bid since last year, he said, adding that “we have been advised by the US government that we could use the US-Korea FTA as a model for our participation.”
He made the remarks in a question-and-answer session during a video conference with Stanford University, in response to questions about Taiwan’s hopes of joining the proposed trade bloc led by the US.
The TPP is being negotiated by the US and 11 other countries, which are all Taiwan’s trading partners, he said. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and the 12 countries account for about 35% of Taiwan’s foreign trade, meaning a total of US$200 billion per year, he added. [FULL STORY]
