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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, frozen out of RCEP, explores trade agreement options with US
Taiwan reiterated Sunday its desire to join the CPTPP, and negotiators are in Washington this week hammering out a potential free trade agreement with the United States.
Taiwan’s representative to US calls for expedited trade talks
Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim urged the US to initiate bilateral trade talks.
Petition: No to poisonous pork, fight for health and democracy
People cannot accept the sacrifice of democratic values, people’s health, and farmers’ interests in exchange for the opportunity of trade negotiations between Taiwan and the US.
Taiwan, Belize sign economic pact
Taiwan and Belize yesterday inked an economic cooperation agreement (ECA), aiming to reduce tariffs, expedite bilateral trade, encourage mutual investment and foster technical cooperation.
Taiwan president calls for investment agreement with EU
At the first-ever European Union Investment Forum held in Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen called for the opening of negotiations for an investment agreement with the EU.
Taiwan looks to host economic talks with US, eyeing trade deal
Taiwan is set to open an economic dialogue with the US, laying the groundwork for talks on a free trade agreement while the island unwinds cross-strait economic integration with Beijing.
161 US House members call for trade agreement with Taiwan
One hundred and sixty-one members of the US House of Representatives sent a letter to US Trade Representative, urging him to open negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan.
Taiwan and Vietnam to sign new bilateral investment deal: report
Taiwan is expected to sign a new bilateral investment agreement with Vietnam in Taipei to reinforce protection for Taiwanese enterprises operating in the Southeast Asian country by establishing an intergovernmental mechanism to provide assistance and support.
Tsai voices hope for investment accord with EU
Taiwanese President received a Dutch parliamentary and think-tank delegation, expressing the hope that it would help push for the signing of a bilateral investment agreement between Taiwan and the EU.
El Salvador’s sugar producers want to keep Taiwan free trade pact
In August 2018, El Salvador followed the Dominican Republic and Panama in switching diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. But in March 2019, president-elect, cast doubt over whether his government would maintain that status.