Orrin Hatch: “Recently the people of Taiwan celebrated their National Day, marked by celebrations, parades, and fireworks befitting…”

“Recently the people of Taiwan celebrated their National Day, marked by celebrations, parades, and fireworks befitting its importance as a national holiday. This occasion offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the state of our bilateral relationship with Taiwan, which has been a cooperative and warm relationship over many decades. In this rapidly evolving 21st-century global economy and with Taiwan's economic significance having steadily grown, it is important for our two nations to further resolve our bilateral trade issues. While some progress has been made through our trade and investment framework agreement, the continued resolution of outstanding trade issues could help pave the way for even deeper ties, including the possibility of a bilateral investment agreement. Concurrently, the U.S. Trade Representative recently wrapped up the 19th round of negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I welcome Taiwan's interest in the TPP--an interest that we hope will serve as a catalyst for Taiwan to continue making progress toward meeting its existing trade commitments so that it may be in a position to meet the higher level requirements of the TPP. Taiwan continues to be an important friend and ally of the United States, and we look forward to strengthening those ties. ____________________”