Taiwan, PH leaders’ policies jibe – envoy

Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin yesterday said the new southbound policy of President Tsai Ing-wen and the “more inclusive” policies of President Duterte complemented each other synergistically.

“Right now is the best and opportune timing to work together to enhance our bilateral relations. By broadening multifaceted cooperation, we will eventually create a mutually beneficial win-win situation,” Lin said during the celebration of Taiwan’s 105th National Day at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

Lin, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila, expressed optimism “that our substantive bilateral relations will grow from strength to strength in the years to come.”

Ing-wen, former leader of the Democratic Progressive Party, was elected president on Jan. 16. This is the third peaceful transfer of office since the first presidential election in 1996, according to Lin.

Under Ing-wen’s new southbound policy launched in September, Taiwan, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, will forge long-term and comprehensive relations with 18 countries “in the areas of economic and trade cooperation, personal exchanges, resource sharing and regional linkages,” Lin said.

27th largest economy

In 2015, Taiwan was named the 27th largest economy in the world, 15th most competitive economy among the 140 economies and fourth in Asia behind Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, according to the 2015 to 2016 Global Competitiveness report.

Lin said Taiwan is the Philippines’ third fastest growing investment source and fifth largest trading partner. The Philippines is the second largest export partner of Taiwan.

Lin said the focus of the new government will be on innovation, employment and equitable distribution. It shall promote five major industries, including an Asian Silicon Valley, smart machinery, green energy, biomedicine and national defense, as it promotes and develop agriculture and a circular economy.

Lin said Ing-wen envisions a digital nation, a smart island, high-value services sector and a nuclear-free homeland marked by energy conservation and carbon emission reduction.

Around 130,000 Filipinos work in Taiwan in the IT sector and optical products. There are 8,000 Filipinos and Taiwanese married to each other in Taiwan, Lin said.

Travel applications of South and Southeast Asian citizens to Taiwan have recently been simplified through the E-Visa or online application for ROC or Taiwan.