The Taiwan-New Zealand economic cooperation agreement signed last week will bring mutual benefits and boost economic and trade exchanges between the two nations, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said at a celebration held today in Taipei by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
"This agreement is the first Taiwan has signed with a developed country. The two sides have committed to a significant opening of their markets to a broader range of goods," he said.
New Zealand is not only an important trade partner for Taiwan but also a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Signing this agreement with New Zealand will facilitate similar pacts with other trade partners and create favorable conditions for Taiwan's entry into the TPP, the premier added.
Today's celebration was postponed from July 12 due to Typhoon Soulik, but many guests who had already traveled from New Zealand last week for the event were unable to attend due to the change in schedule. Premier Jiang expressed gratitude to them for their support and commended the MOFA, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Council of Agriculture and other agencies for their part in concluding the agreement.
By inking this pact with New Zealand, Taiwan has demonstrated its determination to liberalize and internationalize trade, said the premier. Taiwan is also signaling to the world that it is ready and willing to sign agreements with other partners and integrate more fully into the Asia-Pacific economy. He asked the various government agencies for their continued cooperation in lifting Taiwan's economy and deepening its trade with the international community.