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Taiwan

Taiwan actively seeks bilateral free trade agreements, though it is hampered in this effort by its status vis-a-vis China. It has FTAs already with Panama (2003), Guatemala (2005), Nicaragua (2006), El Salvador (2007) and Honduras (2007). It is negotiating with Dominican Republic and Paraguay. And it hopes to negotiate further deals with Costa Rica, Israel, Swaziland, Japan, the US of course, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Mexico. Taipei’s emphasis on Central American countries as FTA partners is to gain access to the US market under NAFTA and CAFTA. But now Taiwan is in talks with China for a possible FTA following the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between the two governments in 2010.

last update: May 2012
Photo: simonwai/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0


More dialogue, fewer fear tactics needed in discussion of FTAs
The government of Taiwan must do a better job to convince the public, instead of relying on “scare tactics,” merely pointing to the hazards that Taiwan will face without FTAs.
Sunflower power stalls Taiwan trade deal
Taiwan’s services trade deal with China sits blocked in Taipei parliament until the government can meet the demands of the Sunflower protest movement.
Groups tell government to stop FTA scare tactics
Several civic groups yesterday accused the Taiwanese government of exaggerating the potential impact of an impending free-trade agreement (FTA) between China and South Korea after the two countries’ leaders concluded talks on the accord at the APEC summit on Monday.
China-South Korea FTA to hurt Taiwan’s industries: official
Vice Economics Minister Cho Shih-chao said Monday that a free trade agreement to be signed in the near future between China and South Korea will have a major adverse impact on Taiwan’s industrial base.
Taiwan to push TPP bid at APEC: president
President Ma Ying-jeou said Monday that Taiwan will take the opportunity of attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) Economic Leader’s Meeting to demonstrate its resolve to participate in regional trade blocs such as the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Taiwan confirms desire for free trade deal with Australia
Taiwan has confirmed its desire to forge a trade deal with Australia and rejected suggestions that mainland China could "meddle" in its efforts for deeper regional ties.
Taiwan, S. Korea may sign investment treaty ’soon’
In an exclusive interview with the United Daily News, South Korea’s representative to Taiwan stated that the majority of the contents in the agreement have been shaped while both sides have yet to agree on a few fragments.
All FTA talks shelved over service pact protests: Taiwan minister
All free trade negotiations with Taiwan planned for this year have been shelved by “other countries” because of unrest over the services pact with China, Taiwan’s Economics Minister said Monday, though he refused to name any specific countries.
The significance of Taiwan’s anti-service trade agreement movement
On Thursday, Taiwan’s anti service trade agreement movement will leave the Legislative Yuan and the occupation will come to an end. Some of its participants think that the movement has not achieved its aims and do not want to leave. As outsiders it is difficult for us to judge.
Taiwan-Australia FTA urged as South Korea, Australia ink deal
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said Tuesday that Taiwan should push for a free trade deal with Australia, noting that one signed between South Korea and Australia might impact Taiwanese manufacturers of petrochemical products and auto parts — two of Taiwan’s major exports to Australia.