The representative of Taiwan in Canada, Winston Chen, has expressed optimism that the government of Canada will emulate the U.S. and delegate cabinet-level officials to Taiwan in a bid to pursue increased bilateral ties.
In an opinion piece that was recently published by The Hill Times, Chen made it known that the visit embarked upon by the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar to Taiwan earlier this month was the most highly ranked trip to the country by a U.S. official since 1979. He revealed that the visit was historic for the two countries as it came at a time when there are so many uncertainties in the world.
Chen remarked that Azar’s visit fully indicated that diplomatic activities can still take place between countries that have no formal diplomatic relations. Chen added that the delegations headed by former Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshiro Mori and Czech Republic’s Senate President Miloš Vystrčil have visited or planned to visit Taiwan, as such, Canada can do the same.
Chen revealed that the last Canadian official that visited Taiwan was former Minister of Industry, John Manley in 1998. He said though a lot of changes have taken place since the last visit, both countries still have a lot to “gain and learn from each other.”
However, Chen said signing a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA) between Canada and Taiwan can boost the respective economies of both countries and Canada’s backing for Taiwan’s inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will also create a foundation for improved bilateral trade and business cooperation.
