游錫堃：贏得各民主國家支持 台灣絕對有機會加入CPTPP
YOU Si-kun:With the Support from Democratic Camp, Taiwan Stands A Good Chance of Becoming A Member of CPTPP
立法院長游錫堃今(20)日在本院溫玉霞委員、邱臣遠總召、林志嘉秘書長、周雅淑顧問、國際事務處林晨富處長及僑務委員會阮昭雄副委員長等人陪同下，接見加拿大地區台灣商會CPTTP訪問團一行17人。
President YOU, accompanied by Legislators Wen Yu-hsia and Convener of Taiwan People's Party Chiu Chen-yuan, Secretary-General Lin Jih-Jia, Consultant Chou Ya-shu, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin and Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee Deputy Minister Ruan Zhao-xiong, met with a delegation of 17 members' delegation from the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Canada, focusing on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
游院長首先向訪團致意，表示很高興有機會與加拿大地區的商界領袖們共聚一堂，並代表立法院表達誠摯歡迎之意。他感謝台商朋友們在海外長期打拼，對台灣經濟、投資環境乃至於對外關係上都有卓越貢獻。游院長回顧過去三年武漢肺炎疫情期間，在蔡總統及賴副總統團隊的領導下，不論在疫情管控、經濟表現及台美關係等層面都有良好的進展。依據行政院主計總處的統計數據，即使在後疫情時代全球景氣低迷下，台灣依然能夠逆勢成長，在2020到2022年間，台灣年均經濟成長率4.07%，遠高於全球平均的2.2%。游院長並細數台美關係在過去三年中的轉折，美國政府自2018年陸續簽署《台灣旅行法》、《台灣友邦國際保護及強化倡議法》、《亞洲再保證倡議法》，將對台六項保證入法，以及2021年4月10日撤除台美行政部門互動的限制等正面發展，使台灣與美國的關係不斷鞏固深化，與同時開始的美中貿易戰兩相對照，更突顯出蔡政府在處理國際關係上所展現的能力與韌性。
President YOU began by extending his greetings to the visiting delegation, expressing great pleasure at the opportunity to gather with leaders from the business community in the Canadian region. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan, he conveyed a sincere welcome, acknowledging the significant contributions of Taiwanese entrepreneurs who have worked tirelessly overseas, benefiting Taiwan's economy, investment environment, and foreign relations. He also reflected on the past three years, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President William Lai, he noted positive developments in various aspects, including pandemic control, economic performance, and Taiwan-U.S. relations. Despite the global economic downturn in the post-pandemic era, Taiwan has exhibited resilient growth. According to statistical data from the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics, the average annual economic growth rate for Taiwan from 2020 to 2022 was 4.07%, significantly surpassing the global average of 2.2%. President YOU highlighted key milestones in Taiwan-U.S. relations over the past three years, emphasizing the positive shifts. He mentioned the consecutive signing of the Taiwan Travel Act, Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act, and Asia Reassurance Initiative Act by the U.S. government, incorporating six assurances to Taiwan. He also noted the removal of restrictions on interactions between administrative departments of Taiwan and the United States on April 10, 2021. These favorable developments, combined with the initiation of the U.S.-China trade war, underscored the consolidation and deepening of Taiwan's relationship with the United States. Speaker YOU highlighted the resilience and capability demonstrated by the Tsai administration in handling international relations.
游院長強調，加入「跨太平洋夥伴全面進步協定」(CPTPP)是我國政府積極推動的重要政策目標。自2021年9月22日我國向協定保存國紐西蘭正式遞件後，就不斷尋求CPTPP所有成員國的支持，而不少會員國對台灣的入會申請表達善意。明年CPTPP輪值主席國為加拿大，我國的積極爭取必然會有所回報，雖然中國也已經遞件申請，但恐難以符合CPTPP針對勞動權益、環保、智財權保護及開放市場所設定的高標準，因此台灣很有機會能夠入會。
President YOU emphasized that joining CPTPP is a crucial policy objective actively pursued by the Taiwanese government. Since Taiwan officially submitted its application to join the agreement to New Zealand, which acts as the depositary for the Pacific rim trade pact, on September 22, 2021, continuous efforts have been made to seek support from all CPTPP members. Many member countries have expressed goodwill towards Taiwan's accession. With Canada assuming the rotating chair of the CPTPP commission next year, Taiwan's proactive efforts are expected to yield positive outcomes. Despite China submitting its application, meeting the high standards set by the CPTPP for labor rights, environmental protection, intellectual property protection, and open markets may pose challenges for China. Consequently, Taiwan stands a good chance of becoming a member.
游團長首先代表訪團感謝游院長偕兩位立委在百忙中撥冗接見。渠說明，當CPTPP的前身還是「跨太平洋夥伴關係協定」(TPP)時，加拿大就是主要會員國之一，因此主導了CPTPP的初始建制架構。其時加拿大台灣商會就開始努力，此行組團回台，主要是向政府請益相關政策，以利商會作為規劃後續推動策略的參考。游團長表示，之前加拿大地區台灣商會已參加二次國會叩門之旅，以推動台加簽定「投資促進及保障協議」（Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Arrangement, FIPA），該協議刻已進入最終談判階段，商會的下一個目標，就是推動我國儘速加入CPTPP。
Mr. Timo Yu, head of a delegation, first expressed gratitude to President YOU and the legislators for taking the time to meet them despite their busy schedules. He explained that Canada was a key member and played a leading role in establishing the initial framework of the CPTPP. The Canadian-Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce has been actively engaged since the TPP era, and the purpose of this visit is to seek clarification on relevant policies from the government. This information will serve as a reference for the Chamber of Commerce in planning future strategies. Mr. Yu mentioned that the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Canada has previously participated in two congressional advocacy trips to promote the signing of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Arrangement (FIPA) between Taiwan and Canada. As FIPA has entered the final negotiation stage, the next goal for their Chamber is to expedite Taiwan's accession to the CPTPP.
溫玉霞委員表示，台灣公私部門一直齊心為加入CPTPP共同努力，她讚許海外的台商多與當地國政府關係良好，並保持𣈱通的溝通管道，希望在大家持續努力下，明年此時台灣能夠成功入會，也希望在場的台商朋友們能夠繼續發揮影響力，共同推動台灣加入CPTPP。邱臣遠總召表示，為配合我政府積極推動加入CPTPP，今(112)年本院經濟委員會已通過著作權法、專利法及商標法等修正草案，院內亦成立「立法院推動台灣加入CPTPP策進會」，就是為了台灣日後的入會作好準備。他也提及，CPTPP會員國中如日本、越南、新加坡、澳大利亞等，都是台商聚集之處，是台商朋友們能夠發揮影響力的國家。本院委員及新設置的國際事務處亦可透過「二軌外交」方式，來對CPTPP會員國進行遊說；另一方面委員們將負責與國內選民溝通，爭取民意支持。
Legislator Wen Yu-hsia expressed that both the public and private sectors in Taiwan have been working together wholeheartedly to join the CPTPP. She commended overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs for maintaining good relationships with local governments and keeping open communication channels. She expressed the hope that, with everyone's continued efforts, Taiwan would successfully join the CPTPP by this time next year. She also encouraged Taiwanese entrepreneurs to continue leveraging their influence and collectively promote Taiwan's accession to the CPTPP. Convener Chiu Chen-yuan stated that in line with the government's proactive efforts to join the CPTPP, the Legislative Yuan's Economics Committee has passed draft amendments to copyright law, patent law, trademark law, and other related laws this year. The Legislative Yuan has also established the "Legislative Yuan Promotion Committee for Taiwan's Accession to the CPTPP" to prepare for Taiwan's future entry. He mentioned that CPTPP member countries such as Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, etc., are all places where Taiwanese entrepreneurs work and where Taiwanese business friends can exert influence. The legislators and the newly established International Affairs Department can lobby CPTPP member countries through "Track Two Diplomacy." Additionally, legislators will be responsible for communicating with domestic constituents to garner public support.
訪問團成員也踴躍發表意見，目前除我國加入CPTPP之說帖外，經濟部王部長表示已針對各會員國個別製作說帖，將有助旅居各國台商或議會更加瞭解台灣的現況，爭取對我支持。另加拿大台灣商會先前曾就台灣加入CPTPP舉辦研討會，引起當地媒體廣泛報導，顯見加國民眾是支持台灣加入的。另訪賓也強調升級本國產業的重要性，因為入會之後台灣多項產品進入其他會員國將享零關稅優惠，故推動加入CPTPP對國內外企業都有很大的誘因。
Members of the delegation then actively shared their views. In addition to Taiwan's submitting the application to join the CPTPP, Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua mentioned that the ministry has prepared briefing documents tailored for each member country. These documents are expected to help Taiwanese entrepreneurs in various countries or each parliament of the members to understand Taiwan's status. The Canadian Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce previously organized a seminar on Taiwan's accession to the CPTPP, which received extensive coverage in local media. This suggests that the Canadian public is supportive of Taiwan's inclusion. The delegation also emphasized the importance of upgrading their domestic industries. Joining the CPTPP would provide Taiwan with tariff preferences for various products entering other member countries, serving as a significant incentive for both domestic and international businesses.
游院長最後總結表示，很高興聆聽大家的建言，並指出現今的國際局勢是自由與專制的對抗，連德國也開始與中國保持距離，他亦引用外媒的報導表示，中國國家主席習近平是台灣執政黨的最佳助選員，今日台灣能夠得到各國的支持跟認可，很大原因是源自中國對民主制度的戕害，在此刻對我有利的時空環境下，台灣只要努力，絕對有機會加入CPTPP。
In conclusion, President YOU expressed his delight at hearing everyone's insights and highlighted the current international landscape characterized by the confrontation between free and authoritarian states. He noted that even Germany has begun to distance itself from China. Quoting reports from foreign media, he mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jin-ping is, ironically, the best campaigner for Taiwan's ruling party. Today, Taiwan is gaining support and recognition from various countries, largely due to China's harm to the democratic system. In the current global environment, President YOU emphasized that with dedicated efforts, Taiwan unquestionably has the opportunity to join the CPTPP.
最後院長偕兩位委員、林秘書長與訪問團全體成員合照及互贈禮品，拜會歷約一小時，在互動熱絡的氣氛下圓滿結束。
Finally, President YOU along with the legislators and Secretary-General Lin, took a group photo with all members of the delegation and exchanged mutual gifts. The visit concluded satisfactorily after approximately one hour, in a warm and interactive vibe.
