Taiwan and the United States signed the first agreement under the bilateral trade initiative a year after its launch. This was announced by the Office for Trade Negotiations under the Executive Yuan (Cabinet of Ministers of Taiwan). The signing ceremony was held in Washington. After signing the agreement, both sides said that this step is the largest and most comprehensive result of trade negotiations between the United States and Taiwan since 1979. It is noted that the new agreement does not apply to tariff reductions or deductions, but describes practices and procedures aimed at optimizing and strengthening bilateral trade relations. In particular, the parties undertake to work to promote bilateral trade and investment flows, improve regulatory practices, promote anti-corruption measures, minimize unnecessary border formalities and encourage the development of small and medium-sized businesses. The deal also provides for the creation of a fund that allows both sides to solve trade and investment problems and discuss opportunities. It is worth noting that the situation around Taiwan is quite difficult. The fact is that China, which considers the island one of its provinces, opposes any official trade and economic agreements between the United States and Taiwan, seeing in this support for Taiwanese separatism.
