Premier Lai Ching-te on Friday directed government agencies to step up preparations for Taiwan's bid for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
In particular, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), National Communications Commission, and Ministry of Transportation and Communications should work faster to push CPTPP-related legislation through the Legislature by the end of the year, including a proposed digital communication bill, and amendments to the Trademark Act, Patent Act, Copyright Act and Postal Act, the premier said.
Government agencies should also continue conducting negotiation simulations in preparation for a range of possible demands by current signatories of the CPTPP. So far, the Executive Yuan, MOEA, Council of Agriculture, and Ministry of Health and Welfare have conducted tabletop exercises on the opening of the agro-industrial product market, liberalization of services trade and investments, the opening of the government procurement market, adjustments to Taiwan's regulatory framework, and non-tariff measures.
The Executive Yuan Office of Trade Negotiations said the CPTPP will open its doors to new members once the deal enters into force, which will occur after ratification by at least six signatories. With member countries Japan, Mexico and Singapore having already completed their respective ratification procedures, Taiwan can afford no delay and must continue engaging in bilateral, multilateral and regional activities to promote its membership bid.