Taiwan and Canada pledged to continue to strengthen supply chain cooperation and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties during an annual economic dialogue held in Taipei on Tuesday.
The pledge was made during the 17th annual Canada-Taiwan Economic Consultations, according to the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT), which represents Canadian interests in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties.
On supply chain cooperation, Canada and Taiwan announced plans to undertake a joint supply chain study in sectors of mutual interest.
The two sides discussed the importance of organizing a series of business roundtables beginning next year focused on electric vehicles, 5G, advanced manufacturing and other areas, according to a CTOT press release.
"Canada sees Taiwan as a trusted trading partner and a friend," said CTOT head Jordan Reeves during the meeting.
"As our trade office celebrates 35 years in Taiwan, Canada is looking to maintain an Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and based on the rule of law, democratic values, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms," he added.
The Taiwan side was represented by Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi (???).
During the annual meeting, both sides also discussed potential collaboration on the green economy as part of the joint global fight against climate change, according to CTOT.
In line with Taiwan's goal to become bilingual by 2030, and given Canada's status as a bilingual country, CTOT said new high school dual diploma programs are being established under a Canada-Taiwan working group led by Taiwan's Ministry of Education.
The Canadian side also affirmed that Taiwanese students will be eligible to participate in the Study in Canada scholarship program, for the second year in a row.
According to CTOT, Taiwan was Canada's 15th-largest trading partner and its sixth-largest in Asia in 2020.
Canada-Taiwan Economic Consultations have been organized annually since 2005 through the CTOT and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada, the de facto Taiwan embassy in Canada. They engage in exchanges on a wide range of issues, including bilateral investment, agricultural produce and innovation.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel