President Ma renews calls for TIFA talks with U.S.

President Ma renews calls for TIFA talks with U.S.

President Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday reiterated that Taiwan wants to resume talks with the United States under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), in order to further develop bilateral economic ties.

The TIFA is Taiwan's best bet at present in its efforts to seek a free trade agreement or similar type of arrangement with the U.S., Ma said in a speech at the annual meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (AmCham).

Therefore, the president said, he hopes both sides can resume TIFA consultations and that the efforts will not be derailed by the beef importation issue.

Meanwhile, Ma also stressed the importance that his government places on the achievement of permanent peace across the Taiwan Strait and reiterated his "three noes" policy -- no unification, no independence and no use of force.

ENDS

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