Taiwan's premier backs TPP bid

Oct 15, 2015

October 13, Premier Mao Chi-kuo proposed a three-point strategy regarding Taiwan's bid to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), suggesting that a nationwide consensus would result in a positive outcome.

TPP issues were on the table for discussion during questioning at the Legislative Yuan when Kuomintang lawmaker Huang Chih-hsiung asked Mao about the current discussions to join the partnership.

Mao suggested that there needs to be consensus reached among the people, "as long as there are supportive measures proposed, there is no reasons why we could not overcome these obstacles."

Economics Minister John Deng, who also fielded questions from Huang, was in agreement as well; he stressed the importance of Taiwan's determination to set up a system and gain support from international allies - both major factors for Taiwan to make a successful bid.

Taiwan must secure the consent of all 12 existing TPP members in order to participate, according to the TPP's consensus-dominant mechanism. Under this system, Deng suggested that should Taiwan seek to join the partnership in 2017 it would mean "good progress" if each nation is given a year to consider allowing Taiwan to join.

"It is reasonable to meet a conclusion within two years in such large-scale negotiations," Deng said, stressing that the likelihood of joining the partnership is "very high."

Regarding Mao's proposed "three strategies" regarding Taiwan's TPP bid, he stated that current laws must be examined and the degree of international integration must be conducted according to the 30 chapters under the agreement. Second, Taiwan must have a keen understanding of each member's demands when Taiwan and the TPP have commenced initial discussions, Mao stated.

On his third point, Mao emphasised the importance of highlighting the government's role in designing comprehensive measures to reduce the impact upon industries and increase support for the bid, as many domestic industries are divided over TPP issue.

To highlight the advantages of securing the TPP bid and Taiwan's role worldwide, Mao stated that the public's consent was considered when signing the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Information Technology Agreement as well.

Experience gained from joining the WTO will be considered as well, Mao said, especially regarding plans to advise potentially affected industries, such as the agriculture sector, which led to the public consensus to join the organisation.

Seamless TPP-integration: DPP

Taiwan has a high probability of entering the TPP's second round of negotiations, stated former Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman Shih Jun-ji and current financial advisor to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen.

"If Tsai wins the presidential election next year, TPP negotiations will commence seamlessly," Shih stated. Should discussions fall through however, the DPP has already drawn up back-up plans as well.

Taiwan's economy should consider aiming for a balance by merging into the international economy instead of relying on a single country, Shih said.

Source: AsiaOne

Picture: AFL-CIO