Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 29, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Kia ora!
It is my great pleasure to join you tonight in the inauguration of the New Zealand All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan. I would like to thank Mr. O’Connor and Mrs. Leary, for your joint efforts, as well as the cross-party parliamentarians, for all your friendship and support. Without your hard work, this initiative would not have been possible.
Taiwan and New Zealand are not just partners in the Indo-Pacific region that share the common values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. But also have strong ties in many different fields, such as trade, culture and etc. For example, last March, our two countries together with Australia and Canada, cofounded the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA), aiming to strengthen the economic empowerment of indigenous people.
In terms of economic and trade relations between Taiwan and New Zealand, it has grown rapidly since the signing of ANZTEC agreement ten years ago. Last year, bilateral trade in goods surpassed 3 billion New Zealand dollars. Taiwan is now New Zealand’s sixth-largest export market. New Zealand’s kiwifruit and cherries are the most popular imported fruits here and you can find them in every supermarket. I am confident that based on the existing solid foundations, the cooperation will continue to deepen over the next 10 years and beyond.
In addition, New Zealand holds the rotating chair of the CPTPP this year. Taiwan as a force for good and reliable partner in the world, has always kept its international trade commitments. We are confident that we can meet its high standard, and looking forward to jointly maintain the security of supply chains underpinned by democratic values.
In closing, I would like to congratulate you for establishing the New Zealand All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan. I wish the group every success as we open a new chapter in Taiwan-New Zealand relations. Thank you.