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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


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.
Canada should engage with Taiwan and others given our China troubles
Given the difficult situation between Canada and China, commentators have suggested ways Canada could push back. Among them is a reassessment of our relations with Taiwan.
Taiwan missed a chance to sign FTA due to Fukushima food ban: Japan academic
Taiwan government missed an opportunity to sign a FTA with Japan because failed to resolve the issue of the ban on food imports from Japanese regions hit by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Taiwan looks to fast-track FTA talks with India, eyes higher tech exports
With an eye on carving out a larger share of the Indian tech products and precision tools market, Taiwan is looking to fast-track discussions on a trade deal with India.
Taiwan, India sign updated bilateral investment pact
Taiwan and India signed a revised bilateral investment agreement
Taiwan still pushing for EU investment deal: MOFA
The foreign ministry said that most EU countries are supportive of an agreement with Taiwan.
Vice premier pushes for start to talks on investment agreement with EU
Vice Premier Shih Jun-ji urged the European Union (EU) to start negotiations with Taiwan on a bilateral investment agreement (BIA) as soon as possible.