MFA says many possibilities for enhanced cooperation between S'pore and Taiwan
Posted: 28 March 2008 2354 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Singapore has said there will be many possibilities for enhanced economic cooperation between Singapore and Taiwan, as long as economic matters are not politicised.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said this in response to media queries on Taiwan President-elect Ma Ying-jeou's proposal to resume negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore.

A spokesperson said FTAs with customs territories such as Taiwan are allowed under World Trade Organisation rules.

Singapore and Taiwan had some preliminary discussions in 2001, but they ceased when the Chen Shui-bian administration tried to go beyond the WTO framework and politicised the issue.

According to MFA, there have been no discussions since then.

The Ministry added that many developments under the Chen Shui-bian administration have since caused serious strains in cross-strait relations.

However, it noted that Mr Ma recently proposed that Taiwan and China discuss an FTA, an issue that China has not rejected. And this could pave the way for further economic cooperation between Singapore and Taiwan. - CNA/ms