TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te expressed hope on Tuesday (Nov. 7) to shape Taiwan into a haven where democracy, justice, and pursuits in innovation and sustainability epitomize what the nation stands for at a global scale.
Speaking at the European Chamber of Commerce (ECCT), Lai acknowledged that trade relations between Taiwan and the European Union (EU) are in full bloom. Thus, he underscored an initiative to bolster higher trade and investment levels by initiating either a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
Taiwan-EU trade achieved a breakthrough last year, with figures showing close trade ties contributed to a whooping revenue valued at more than US＄75 billion (NT＄2.4 trillion). This boom in international trade businesses has led Europe to become, by far, Taiwan's biggest source of foreign investment.
It is reflected in the numbers, to which the foreign trade market has yielded a revenue exceeding US＄57 billion (NTD＄1.8 trillion) by the end of August this year.
European leaders have shown clear opposition to any attempt by force or intimidation to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Lai urged both parties to consider the critical significance of sustaining a stable Strait for the sake of creating better prospects for international security and economic prosperity.
In light of a global consensus to achieve net-zero transitions, Lai stressed that it also comes as part of Taiwan's national vision. He reaffirmed a commitment to diversifying choices in green energy.
While speeding up the usage of wind and solar power, Lai seeks to continue exploring ways to cut down emissions through deep energy retrofits and energy conservation powered by high-tech solutions.
