RP warms up to Taiwan, is ready to grant trade, financial concessions

The Philippines is earnestly courting Taiwan and is willing to accede to most of its trade and financial requests in an effort to improve trade relations between the two countries.

This was indicated yesterday by Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II at the opening of the Ninth Joint Industry Conference (JEC) between the Philippines and Taiwan.

In his opening statement, Roxas indicated the Philippines’ willingness to please Taiwan, saying "we would like to reduce, if not eliminate, the obstacles and to substantially narrow down the differences in certain aspects of our relations."

Among the thorny issues which Roxas indicated could finally be resolved are the conclusion of a double taxation agreement; simplification of the procedures for the issuance of visas to Taiwanese businessmen and tourists; and even the possibility of extending a sea lane for fishing vessels passage.

Other issues that the Philippines and Taiwan hope to tackle during the current JEC are the resolution of certain phytosanitary issues affecting Philippines fresh bananas, mangoes and young coconut.

He also said both countries will be able to conclude a Manila-Taipei ATA Carnet Protocol that will facilitate bilateral merchandise trade exchanges.

Another area that the Philippines hopes to jointly develop with Taiwan, Roxas said, is tourism.

"While Taiwan is one of our biggest sources of tourists, the country hopes to enter into joint ventures with Taiwanese investors to develop more tourism infrastructure that will accommodate not only tourists from Taiwan but from all parts of the world," he said.

Roxas said Taiwan ranks as the country’s fifth biggest export market, accounting for eight percent of total shipments.