The recent visit by a Polish parliamentary delegation to Taiwan highlights the friendly ties and frequent exchanges between the two sides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dec. 3.
 
According to the MOFA, the six-day stay helped bring the lawmakers up to speed on Taiwan’s cultural, economic and social development and pave the way for expanded cooperation. Parliamentary diplomacy is an important avenue for advancing the nation’s foreign policy and bolstering relations with like-minded countries, the ministry added.
 
Headed by Beata Mazurek, deputy marshal of Poland’s lower house, the 10-member delegation was in Taiwan through Dec. 3. They were visiting at the invitation of Legislative Yuan Vice President Tsai Chi-chang, who led a delegation of lawmakers to the European nation in August.
 
During their stay, the Polish parliamentarians met with Tsai and called on government agencies including the MOFA and the Cabinet-level National Development Council and National Security Council. They also toured Hsinchu Science Park and Taichung World Flora Exposition in northern and central Taiwan, respectively.
 
Taiwan and Poland enjoy strengthening ties across a broad spectrum of fields, the MOFA said, adding that this is evidenced by agreements on double taxation avoidance, higher education and joint scientific research, reciprocal driver’s license recognition and working holiday visas.
 
Bilateral trade has also registered impressive growth, with statistics from the Ministry of Economic Affairs showing total volume rose 17.2 percent to US$1.17 billion in 2017. More than 30 Taiwan companies have established businesses and manufacturing operations in the European country, predominantly in the automobile and automotive parts, electrical and electronics, and information and communication technology sectors. (SFC-E)
 
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