TAIWAN-EU ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT
Session: 2010-12
Date tabled: 10.10.2011
Primary sponsor: Andrew Rosindell
Sponsors: David Amess, Peter Bottomley, Jim Dobbin, Mike Hancock, Jim Shannon
“That this House supports the signing of an Economic Co-operation Agreement between the EU and Taiwan; notes the rapprochement between the two governments across the Taiwan Strait, which has so far led to the signing of 15 mutual agreements, including the Economic Co-operation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which reduces the trade barriers of mainland China’s market to products of Taiwanese origin and vice versa; acknowledges that the expansion of cross-strait economic relations is in the interest of those on both sides and of the EU; recognises that Taiwan achieved 10.88 per cent. GDP growth in 2010, is the EU’s 14th largest trading partner globally and its 6th largest trading partner in Asia, with total trade volume of 37 billion; observes that Taiwan’s high-tech industry, economic growth and expanding trade provide a mutually beneficial opportunity for co-operation between the EU and Taiwan; commends the fact that the European Parliament unanimously passed a resolution on 11 May 2011 supporting the further strengthening of Taiwan-EU trade and economic ties and the signing of a bilateral economic co-operation agreement; and calls on the Government to encourage the EU to conduct negotiations with Taiwan with the goal of agreeing a Taiwan-EU Economic Co-operation Agreement.”