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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


Taiwan president-elect signals desire to join US-led trade framework
Taiwan’s president-elect, Lai Ching-te, signalled his desire for Taipei to join the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, considering the island’s key role in the global economy.
Taiwan signs landmark bilateral investment agreement with Canada, aims to join CPTPP
Taiwan and Canada signed a bilateral investment deal, boosting the Taiwanese government’s efforts to bolster business ties with like-minded democratic partners and possibly easing the island’s entry into a major pan-Pacific trade pact.
Taiwan signs Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement with UK
Taiwan has signed an Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement with the United Kingdom, paving the way for talks about digital trade, green energy, and investments.
Canada, Taiwan complete talks on bilateral investment deal
Canada and Taiwan have completed talks on a bilateral deal to boost foreign investment and will work to make sure it takes effect promptly, Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng and Taiwan’s government said.
Taiwan, Britain to start trade talks
Taiwan and the UK are to begin official-level talks on an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) in three key areas with the aim of signing a memorandum of understanding.
Honduras ends FTA with Taiwan after president visits China
Honduras told Taiwan it is ending their bilateral free trade agreement, effective from the end of 2023.
Taiwan to suspend free trade agreement with El Salvador
Taiwan will suspend implementation of a free trade agreement with El Salvador from May 15, following the former Central American diplomatic ally’s decision to repeal the deal.
Taiwan, Canada to launch FIPA investment agreement talks
Taiwan and Canada are likely to start the first round of talks about a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) in Taiwan within two weeks.
EU tells Taiwan to forget about a bilateral investment pact even as bloc seeks more chips
Officials say deal unnecessary because ‘stable conditions for investors do exist in Taiwan’ amid reluctance behind scenes to anger Beijing.
Canada, Taiwan to begin formal talks to spur foreign investments
The talks about a so-called "Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Arrangement" aligns with Canada’s plan to increase trade and influence in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region.