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Strong relations between Taiwan and the European Union (EU) are based on shared values ​​such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and the Taiwanese government is determined to further improve that relationship, Vice-President Chen Chien-Jen said on 29 November. He spoke at a meeting with a delegation headed by Bas Belder, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, which visited Taiwan from 28 November to 1 December. The guests wanted to learn about the economic and political developments in Taiwan, as well as cross-strait relations and relations between Taiwan and the EU, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry. Referring to a report released by the EU Commission on 13th September, Chen Chien-Jen noted that the EU intends to open investment talks with Taiwan. According to him, the report highlights Europe's willingness to cooperate better. Taiwan expects to conclude bilateral investment agreements with the EU and help such contracts to expand into Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, it could strengthen investment protection, facilitate increased investment in Europe by domestic companies and also create more jobs, said vice president Chen. According to the foreign ministry, the EU is Taiwan's fifth largest trading partner and Taiwan the EU's seventh largest trading partner in Asia. Bilateral trade reached a volume of 49 billion US dollars in 2016. European companies are Taiwan's largest source of foreign investment, reaching $ 43.3 billion by the end of September 2017.

Source: Taiwan representation of Germany, Berlin