Taiwan and the U.S. held a new round of negotiations for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade from August 14 to 18 (Eastern Daylight Time) in Washington, D.C., exchanging views primarily on the issues of agriculture, labor and the environment. This negotiating round was the first in-person meeting between the two sides following the signing of a first agreement under the initiative in June.
In regards to agriculture, the two sides discussed how to enhance agricultural trade through greater transparency in laws and regulations, as well as how to bolster food security and sustainable agriculture to promote climate adaptation and resilience. Regarding labor, the two sides discussed how to guarantee international standards for labor rights and develop more inclusive trade policies. Regarding the environment, the discussion covered areas for collaboration relating to green enterprises, decarbonization of the economy and the conservation of natural resources.
The two sides also exchanged views according to the parameters set out in the initiative's first agreement, including trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, anti-corruption, services domestic regulation and small and medium-sized enterprises. Taiwan stands ready to implement the agreement to benefit the development of bilateral trade between Taiwan and the U.S.