Premier Sean Chen extended a warm welcome this afternoon to the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Christopher J. Marut, saying that it was just the right time for his arrival since the U.S. announced yesterday it would include Taiwan in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Chen expressed his hope that the VWP and the upcoming bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) talks will help further ties and cooperation between these two countries.
Premier Chen said that the ROC's government and citizens are gratified by Washington's decision to include Taiwan in the VWP, which will allow ROC passport holders visa-free stays in the U.S. of up to 90 days at a time. The Taiwanese people are excited about the initiative, and both sides will benefit, he stressed.
Chen also noted that it took close cooperation and various efforts from many government agencies to meet the standards required for ROC entry to the program. "The guidance of the Office of the President and the Executive Yuan and the solid team spirit displayed by the agencies of both countries throughout the process also contributed to this success," he added.
In response to an inquiry from Director Marut about Taiwan's economic prospects, Chen indicated optimism, saying much progress has been made in developing new export markets in emerging countries. He also touted the success of frozen edamame (immature green soybean) exports to Japan as proof of Taiwan's competitiveness.
The premier also explained the importance of signing free trade agreements to increase trade competitiveness. He said he was happy to see the issue of U.S. beef imports settled and that he looked forward to positive progress when TIFA negotiations resume.
U.S. Senior Official for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Atul Keshap's visit to Taiwan last month further advanced bilateral economic relations, said the premier, who lauded Mr. Keshap's statement that delegations of the U.S. Trade Representative would be sent to Taiwan for professional consultations this month as concrete progress.
Director Marut participated in the development of the U.S.'s strategic Rebalance toward Asia policy while serving as an official at the Department of State, and the premier also exchanged opinions with him on this regional plan. "Rebalancing is an important concept. Following the 2008 financial crisis, various countries examining the imbalanced situation at the time stressed the idea of economic rebalancing. The United States' military and political rebalance in Asia carries similar significance," said the premier.
Director Marut and his entourage visited Premier Chen in company with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tung Kuo-yu.