Taiwan and the United States concluded a round of face-to-face negotiations for the 21st Century Trade Initiative between both countries, highlighting the commitment of both parties to advance economic and trade cooperation. Yang Jen-ni, deputy trade representative of the Taiwan Trade Negotiations Office, led the Asian country’s delegation in these talks. Representatives exchanged views on the proposed texts, including in the areas of agriculture, labor and the environment.
The environmental dialogue covered deepening collaboration on green businesses and economic decarbonization, information sharing, and preservation of natural resources in response to urgent challenges.
Important US support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA
On labor issues, the two sides discussed the protection of internationally recognized labor rights, including the elimination of forced labor in global supply chains. They also discussed the role and responsibilities of companies in protecting these rights.
Taiwan and the United States will cooperate on developing more inclusive trade policies, creating opportunities and gender equality, to demonstrate that trade can be a positive force for the common good.
In discussions on agriculture, topics included regulations to promote agricultural trade through scientific and risk-based decision making, and transparent and improved regulatory practices. The two sides also discussed cooperation mechanisms for food security, innovative technology and other practices with the aim of increasing productivity, reducing land, water and fuel use, and contributing to climate adaptation and resilience.
Taiwan also emphasized that a multi-party group from the US House of Representatives and Senate participated in the negotiations and exchanged views with the Trade Negotiations Office of the Taiwanese Executive Yuan.
