A 12-member delegation of parliamentarians from both houses of the UK parliament visited Taiwan from 17-23 September.
Led by Nigel Evans MP, Chair of the British Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, the visit aimed to provide delegates with a greater understanding of Taiwan and to promote bilateral economic cooperation, with a particular focus on manufacturing, tourism and education.
The delegation met with President Tsai Ing-wen on 22 September, during which the president stressed Taiwan’s determination to participate in the international community as well as Taiwan’s hopes to sign a free trade agreement or a bilateral investment agreement with the UK. Thanking the British-Taiwanese APPG for its longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation, President Tsai called on the UK to enhance cooperation with Taiwan so the two sides can respond to global challenges together.
The parliamentarians also visited the Legislative Yuan, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the National Development Council, the Mainland Affairs Council, the Bureau of Foreign Trade, the British Office Taipei and the British Council, while honorary receptions were held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taoyuan City Government. The delegates were also shown sites such as the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101 and Taroko Gorge National Park.
Members of the delegation included the MPs John Whittingdale, Stephen Timms, Bob Neill, Robert Halfon, Craig Whittaker, Iain Stewart, Rosie Cooper, Stephen Metcalfe, Bob Blackman and Damien Moore. The visit marks the fourth British parliamentary delegation to Taiwan of 2017.
