President Ma Ying-jeou is urging the legislative whips of the ruling Kuomintang to ensure the approval of a trade pact with China by the end of May.
Ma made the comments on Wednesday at a ruling party meeting in his capacity as the party chairman. The controversial trade in services agreement with China was signed last June, but has failed to clear the legislature. Review of the pact has ground to a halt after protestors occupied the legislative chamber to demand a clause-by-clause review of the pact.
President Ma said the approval of the agreement is an essential step in Taiwan's further economic liberalization.
"About the long-stalled trade in services agreement, [I] hope that everyone can do their best to ensure that it passes by the end of this legislative session," said Ma. "This way, in our subsequent trade negotiations, we won't be seen by the international community as lacking in determination, sincerity, and trustworthiness. This is very important."