TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said that Taiwan is eager to deepen bilateral economic and trade ties during talks with Corazon A. Padiernos, the Philippines representative to Taiwan, on Tuesday. 

The foreign minister reiterated Taiwan's willingness to advance the Taiwan–Philippines Economic Corridor Initiative. 

Lin said in a Facebook post that Taiwan hopes to establish an institutionalized cooperation framework with the Philippines as a set of shared principles for Taiwanese companies investing in the country. Both governments should establish smoother communication mechanisms to boost confidence in investing in the Philippines, Lin said.

Lin said the Philippines is an important maritime neighbor of Taiwan. Bilateral relations have made remarkable progress in recent years, he said, pointing to Manila easing restrictions in April between Philippine and Taiwanese officials.

Lin added that Taiwan seeks to expand cooperation in talent cultivation and smart agriculture, creating an even closer partnership and promoting shared economic prosperity.

Last week, Taiwan Deputy Representative to the Philippines Dustin Yang (楊登仕) and Taiwan Technical Mission head Dominique Lee (李泰昌) met with Philippine Senator Francis Pangilinan to discuss deepening agricultural cooperation. The two sides also talked about a Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund assistance program to strengthen the Philippines’ agricultural systems.