Taiwan Today
Date: December 6, 2016

Officials from 18 participants representing 46 World Trade Organization members failed to reach a

Minister of Economic Affairs Lee Chih-kung looks forward to continuing talks on the WTO’s Environmental Goods Agreement next year following the conclusion of the latest round of negotiations Dec. 4 in Geneva. (CNA)

consensus on the global trade body’s proposed Environmental Goods Agreement Dec. 4 in Geneva, with Taiwan’s representative, Minister of Economic Affairs Lee Chih-kung, stressing the nation’s commitment to continuing the talks next year.

Formally launched July 2014, the EGA negotiations aim to eliminate tariffs on products crucial for environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Comprising economies including Taiwan, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, the U.S. and mainland China, the 18 participants account for most of the global trade in such goods.

Lee reiterated during the two-day talks that the Republic of China (Taiwan) government is a staunch proponent of free trade and environmental protection. He voiced disappointment that the 11th round of negotiations had not led to the conclusion of the agreement, but emphasized that Taiwan will continue to actively support multilateral trade deals and looks forward to furthering the discussions in the near future.    [FULL  STORY]