Taiwan trade mission arrives

A top-level trade mission from Taiwan arrived yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for talks with government officials and private sector groups aimed at expanding economic ties between the Philippines and Taiwan.

Headed by Taiwanese Economics Minister Lin Hsin-I, the 61-man trade group representing 46 multi-national companies in Taiwan will explore investment opportunities.

Lin said the trade mission includes Taiwan’s top 10 business tycoons and will focus on agriculture, fishing and other business opportunities in the Philippines.

They were met upon their arrival at the NAIA by representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) who have scheduled meetings with members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chinese-Filipino business groups.

"I am happy to visit the Philippines and look forward to a fruitful discussion on business-related issues that will benefit our two countries," Lin said.

According to him, Taiwan has a big investment in the Philippines, adding that this can further improve.

TECO representative Benjamin Lo said total trade between the two countries at the reaches $6.65 billion. Philippine exports to Taiwan amount to $3.9 billion, while Taiwan exports to the Philippines has a trade surplus of $500 million.

Lin said the mission will look into the possibility of increasing the number of Filipino workers in Taiwan, saying that most Taiwanese employers prefer Filipino workers than their Asian counterparts. – Rey Arquiza