Taiwanese and US representatives yesterday wrapped up the latest round of in-person trade talks in Taipei, but did not succeed in inking any agreements, Minister Without Portfolio and top negotiator John Deng (鄧振中) told a media briefing.
“The two sides gained better understanding of bilateral rules and differences on issues regarding labor rights protection, trading of agricultural products and environment protection,” Deng said.
The two sides needed more time to clarify details before working out a pact in line with the second phase of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, Deng said.
Photo: CNA
Taiwan is seeking access to the US market for its mangoes and pineapples, as well as pork floss and sausage, Deng said.
There is a great need of new export destinations for these two fruits due to pressure from China, he said.
“Exports of agricultural products require complicated and longstanding negotiations… It took a decade for Taiwan’s guava to enter the US market,” he said.
Washington is pushing for relaxed regulations for its pork imports, an issue Taiwan prefers not to address until after the political transition on May 20 given its controversial nature, Deng said.
Taiwan’s mangoes and pineapples do not raise any food safety concerns, while Taiwanese are concerned about US pork products with ractopamine, the official said.
US negotiators believe Taiwan holds unnecessarily high standards regarding pork products, he said.
Labor protection dominates the trade talks and the two sides agree that flows of products made by forced labor must be stopped and they should be removed from shelves, Deng said.
The US is highly sensitive about products allegedly made by prisoners abroad.
Taiwan agrees with the US regarding the need to ban such products, but the nation would need more legal experts and inspectors to detect human rights violations, Deng said.
The US delegates consisted of more than 20 trade negotiators and observers from the US Congress, as the matter involves administrative and lawmaking processes, Deng said.
The two sides also reached an agreement on the importance of transparency and public participation in environmental protection so that public support can be gained for initiatives regarding the issue, Deng said.
In the past, such bilateral talks were held privately and caused public distrust or protests from civic groups, he said.
The five-day talks did not touch on the energy mix issue, but both sides agreed that they should make efforts to reduce carbon emissions, Deng said.
Washington is fully aware that there will be power transition in Taiwan later this month, but pressed ahead with the talks in part to show its respect and recognition of policy continuity, Deng said.
The two sides are to conduct more video conferences, he added.
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