TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will expand cooperation with the Philippines to benefit both countries, Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan (葛葆萱) said Friday.
Speaking at a reception marking the 128th anniversary of Philippine independence, Ger said Taiwan and the Philippines share Austronesian cultural roots and close ties. He added mutual visa-free entry has made the Philippines Taiwan’s largest source of Southeast Asian visitors, and Taiwan hopes the program will continue.
On trade, Ger said the Philippines is one of Taiwan’s top 10 trade partners. More than 170,000 Filipinos also work in Taiwan and help support local industries, he said.
Ger said Taiwan hopes to expand supply chain cooperation with the Philippines and the US through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework, a Taiwan-US-led platform for sharing expertise with partners. He added that Taiwan also wants to gradually develop a Taiwan-Philippines economic corridor.
Ger said Taiwan and the Philippines share common interests and strategic goals as members of the First Island Chain. Both sides support freedom, democracy, a rules-based international order, and the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law, he said.
Corazon A. Padiernos, chair and resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, expressed sympathy for people affected by recent earthquakes in Mindanao. She said Taiwan and the Philippines are important partners in economic and international cooperation.
Padiernos thanked Taiwanese society for accepting and supporting Filipino workers.
