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President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 15 that Taiwan is committed to strengthening ties with the U.S. while enhancing regional economic engagement by joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. As a member of multilateral trade organizations such as the World Trade Organization and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Taiwan is willing and able to further participate in regional economic integration, Tsai said. The recent regulatory easing on Japanese food imports shows the government is tackling difficult trade issues and meeting the high standards of the global trading system, she added. Tsai made the remarks while receiving Edwin Feulner, founder of Washington-based think tank The Heritage Foundation, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. According to Tsai, Heritage ranked Taiwan “free” for the first time, placing it sixth among seven free countries around the world in the foundation’s latest Index of Economic Freedom. This is recognition of government efforts and achievements in creating a free, open and fair economic environment, she said. It is hoped Heritage will continue to advocate for a closer Taiwan-U.S. partnership, including discussions on a bilateral free trade and a digital economy agreement, Tsai added. In the face of growing authoritarianism, Tsai said Taiwan stands firm on the front line of democracy with like-minded partners in safeguarding freedom and human rights while protecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Tsai also took the opportunity to thank Feulner for Heritage’s long-term support of stronger Taiwan-U.S. relations, as well as the promotion of democracy and free markets—the cornerstones of Taiwan’s development. (SFC-E) Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
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