Taiwan seeks a more pragmatic relationship with Mexico since there is complementarity and opportunities to generate more cooperation in different areas ranging from commercial exchange, culture, tourism and more.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, Alexander Tah-Ray Yui, stressed that his country is a vibrant democracy, an open economy and a responsible society, so he wants to extend a helping hand so that the relationship with Mexico and the world flourishes.
“Although the countries do not have formal diplomatic relations, it does not mean that there cannot be pragmatic and substantial relations, such as in the area of trade and investment, as well as at the cultural, sporting level and in all aspects. Not having diplomatic relations should not be an impediment for the relationship to flourish even more between Mexico and Taiwan, ”said the vice minister in a virtual conference.
He considered that after the lifting of travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he should consider free access to Taiwanese travelers so that they do not have to apply for a prior visa to arrive in Mexico, a measure that would facilitate the exchange of travelers and that would contribute to the recovery of post-pandemic tourism.
Currently, Taiwanese have to apply for a visa that costs around 1,000 pesos to transit through our country.
“It is an issue that is continually being discussed with the Mexican federal government. If a Taiwanese has a physical American visa, he does not need a visa to enter Mexico, but since we have a free access visa to the United States, we do not have a physical visa, which is required in Mexico, ”said the senior official.
The island develops its own anticovid vaccine and is willing to share it with the countries that require it.
Looking for a business deal
Taiwan requested Mexican support to enter the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TIPAT, for its acronym in English), since the Asian nation is ready to detonate the development of Asia-Pacific regional trade, in addition to contributing to multiplying the commercial flow of investment. The association with the 11 members would represent 25% of the trade of the Asian nation.
He stressed that Taiwan being a member of the CPTPP would be mutually beneficial since it would increase investments between both countries and promote the export of Mexican products to Taiwan, such as avocado, among others. “Taiwan is a strategic partner that serves as a bridge for Latin America and the United States.”
Although the countries maintain a strong commercial relationship, there is no certainty or protection for investors, no trade incentives, or tariff preferences.
In our country there are around 300 Taiwanese companies, which generate 60,000 jobs.
“With Mexico there are no trade agreements, with the lack of agreements we do not have investment protection, there is double taxation, if we had it it would be more attractive for investors to come to Mexico,” he said.
Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx