Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wu Kuen-yu (front row, center) celebrates the launch of the Taiwan-Philippines Congressional Association April 18 in Taipei City. (Liberty Times)

The Taiwan-Philippines Congressional Association was inaugurated April 18 in Taipei City, paving the way for increased bilateral collaboration and exchanges between the two nations’ lawmaking bodies.
 
According to Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wu Kuen-yu, who doubles as chairman of the interparliamentary organization, the TPCA was established to facilitate communication and foster understanding between the two sides. The association will organize official visits as well as hold forums and seminars with the aim of boosting cooperation on agriculture, education, medicine and trade, he added.
 
Lin Jih-jia, secretary-general of the Legislative Yuan, said that the association will play a major role in bolstering relations with the Philippines. The Southeast Asian nation, with a population of more than 100 million, is an important player in the region and one of the key countries targeted under the New Southbound Policy.
 
A vital component of President Tsai Ing-wen’s national development strategy, the initiative seeks to deepen agricultural, business, cultural, education, trade and tourism links with Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
Carlo L. Aquino, deputy representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, said that the association can provide a formal channel for lawmakers of both sides to communicate.
 
According to the Legislative Yuan, interparliamentary exchanges play a crucial role in enhancing the government’s diplomatic and economic efforts. Taiwan legislators currently maintain over 50 organizations that fulfill such a purpose. (CPY-E)