Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/06/08
By: P.C. Tang and Flor Wang
Taipei, June 8 (CNA) Taiwan is mulling visa entry privileges for tourists from eight member states of
(CNA file photo)
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in line with a “new southward policy” being broached by the government, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
In a report submitted to several legislative committees, MOFA said it has been working on the issue to promote the government’s “New Southbound Policy,” outlined by President Tsai Ing-wen, who took office May 20.
Visitors from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam will be granted entry privileges such as visa waivers, landing visas or e-visas, according to the report. Visitors from two other ASEAN member nations, Malaysia and Singapore, already enjoy visa exemptions for stays of up to 30 days in Taiwan.
As the “New Southbound Policy” aims to achieve an economic transformation for Taiwan and push a greater role for the country in foreign affairs and global issues, Southeast Asia forms a key segment that Taiwan must seize as part of its efforts to expand its domestic market with a “people-focused” strategy, the report says. [FULL STORY]
