(Ottawa) A foreign investment protection agreement between Taiwan and Canada is under discussion, despite persistent tensions with mainland China. This intention is met with broad approval in business and diplomatic circles.
International Trade Minister Mary Ng made the announcement in a statement released Monday, after meeting with a Taiwanese minister on Sunday. The island represents a key partner, as Canada wishes to diversify its trade relations in the Indo-Pacific.
Meredith Lilly, Business Expert at Carleton University, and Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, China Expert at the University of Ottawa, both point out that Canada’s desire to deepen trade with Taiwan is long overdue. and could have economic benefits.
Taiwan is autonomous, but the Chinese government claims the island and raised the threat of possible annexation by organizing military maneuvers, including overflights of warplanes.
China generally criticizes countries for touting their economic ties with Taiwan. However, Mme Lilly recalls that the island is a full member of the World Trade Organization, which allows Canada to deepen its trade.