New Southbound Policy Portal

A statement issued by trade ministers from the 21 member economies comprising the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation on COVID-19 was welcomed May 10 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
The document emphasizes the importance of further cooperation between public and private sectors in the APEC region and broader international community. It also identifies coronavirus as an opportunity to harness the power of the economic forum’s innovative technology in mitigating impact of the pandemic via bolstering cross-border trade and the digital economy.
 
According to the statement, emergency measures aimed at combating coronavirus should be targeted, temporary, transparent and proportionate. It also recommended they remain in accordance with World Trade Organization rules and facilitate the gradual movement of goods, services and people throughout the region.
 
The MOFA said Taiwan will share its know-how in managing COVID-19 with other APEC member economies at multilateral meetings, as well as offer humanitarian assistance under bilateral agreements. The country is willing and able to play a key role in forging a healthier, safer and more resilient region in preparation for the post-coronavirus world, the ministry added.
 
Since joining APEC in 1991, Taiwan has made substantial contributions. These span a broad spectrum of areas such as disaster prevention, food security, small and medium enterprise development and women’s empowerment. (TYT-E)
 
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