President Ma Ying-jeou has expressed interest in concluding a free trade agreement with Switzerland.
During a meeting with former Swiss President Pascal Couchepin on Friday, Ma said that Switzerland is an important partner for Taiwan. He said that both countries value democracy, peace, human rights, and the rule of law. He also said that Switzerland is Taiwan’s sixth largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade valued at US$2.2 billion last year.
Ma said that a free trade agreement (FTA) with Switzerland and deepening bilateral trade relations would be one step in Taiwan’s goal to promote free trade and economic integration.
Ma expressed his hope that Couchepin will use his influence to promote friendly relations with Taiwan upon his return to Switzerland.