Taiwan’s new representative to the United Sates, Shen Lyu-shun, says the signing of free trade agreements (FTAs) is critical to Taiwan’s economic future.
In his first news briefing on Friday after he took over the job, Shen said that one of Taiwan’s major competitors, South Korea, has signed an FTA with the European Union. He also said it is possible that Taiwan will lose to South Korea in the global competition.
Shen made the remarks when asked to comment on the strong opposition against a trade in services agreement signed between Taiwan and China last June. The strong resistance led to the student occupation of the legislature for more than three weeks.
Shen said he is afraid that Taiwan’s opposition to the trade agreement will lead US trade negotiators with Taiwan to worry about whether Taiwan will keep its promises.
However, Shen said Washington has never doubted Taiwan’s determination to push for economic liberalization.