Dominican Republic and Taiwan to sign trade accord soon
Dominican Today | October 13 2007
Dominican Republic and Taiwan to sign trade accord soon
Santo Domingo.- Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian said he hopes Taiwan and the Dominican Republic will sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as soon as possible to benefit enterprises in both countries.
Chen made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Dominican Republic Vice President Rafael Alburquerque, who was in Taipei to participate in celebrations of Republic of China’s Oct. 10 National Day.
Noting that Taiwan and the Dominican Republic have concluded the first-round of FTA negotiations, Chen expressed hope that such talks might end up in order to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties.
So far Taiwan has signed free trade agreements with countries in Central America such as Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras, with wich Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations.
Chen also extended gratitude to the Dominican Republic government for its support to Taiwan’s participation in world organizations and activities, although it has not publicly spoken in favor of Taiwan’s bid to join the United Nations as the Caribbean country is applying to be a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.
Vice President Annette Lu accompanied Alburquerque on visits to several trade establishments in Taiwan this week, and hosted a banquet in honor of the Dominican Republic delegation, attended by over 100 local high-tech business executives.
