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Published Date: 2014-04-16
Opposition to a controversial cross-strait trade deal has had a negative impact on Taiwan’s bid to sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with other countries. That’s the word from Deputy Foreign Minister Joseph Shih on Wednesday.
Shih told lawmakers that opposition to the trade in services agreement that Taiwan signed with China last June has had a dampening impact on Taiwan though he stopped short of giving more details.
Shih said a demonstration of determination is crucial to Taiwan’s plan to join regional trade bodies.
"If we can’t keep our promises, I think those countries interested in signing free trade agreements with us will have second thoughts," said Shih.
In response to Shih’s comments, opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Hsiao Bi-khim said the government should refrain from using scare tactics.
Hsiao said that the government must tell the public which countries have decided to suspend trade talks with Taiwan.