The inaugural Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPP) wrapped up Nov. 20, underscoring the commitment of the like-minded partners to expanding related exchanges and creating mutually beneficial opportunities.
 
Staged physically in Washington, the EPP featured Taiwan and U.S. delegations led respectively by Chen Chern-chyi, deputy minister of economic affairs, and Keith J. Krach, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment.
 
Officials participating virtually from Taipei City included Jaushieh Joseph Wu, minister of foreign affairs; John C. C. Deng minister without portfolio; Wang Mei-hua, minister of economic affairs; Wu Tsung-tsong, minister of science and technology; and Brent Christensen, director of the American Institute in Taiwan.
 
Talks touched upon an array of areas such as 5G and telecommunications networks; global health security, infrastructure cooperation, investment screening, science and technology, supply chains and women’s economic empowerment.
 
The two sides agreed to deepen collaboration in these fields under a memorandum of understanding inked during the event by representatives of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. and the AIT. This involves annual high-level EPP talks taking place alternatively in Washington and Taipei.
 
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EPP capitalizes on the complementary economic and industrial strengths of Taiwan and the U.S. Potential-laden areas of collaboration encompass digital technology R&D in the delivery of health care and medical products, as well as the production of personal protective equipment, vaccines, medicines and reagents, the MOFA said.
 
Semiconductors are another important area in which both sides will advance strategic cooperation, the MOFA said, adding this is anticipated as laying the foundations for both sides to enjoy significant and long-term benefits.
 
The ministry said the EPP demonstrates that Taiwan-U.S. relations are going strength from strength. No effort will be spared in working with the U.S. to create a more inclusive and prosperous world based on the shared values of democracy, free markets, transparency and the rule of law, the MOFA added. (YCH-E)
 
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