The MP for Lothian East, Douglas Alexander, is in Taiwan for talks in his role as Trade Minister on Sunday and Monday.
The visit is part of the UK’s longstanding although unofficial relationship with Taiwan and is aimed at improving bilateral trade, worth £9.3 billion in 2024. It comes a week after the Government announced its new Trade Strategy intended to secure UK business and trading relationships.
Mr Alexander said: “We share a long-standing trade relationship with Taiwan and our trade reached an all-time high last year, but we know there are still more opportunities for British businesses to take advantage of opportunities in this dynamic economy.
“The new Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) Pillars will help us boost trade in some of our growth-driving sectors, delivering economic growth and helping put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.”
Digital trade pilots were completed with UK wafer company Clas-SIC Wafer Fab and the Kimbland Distillery in Orkney and Skene Scotch Whiskey as the UK tries to streamline trade with Taiwan.
Mr Alexander will witness the signing of a trade agreement between the two countries which will be conducted by British Representative Taipei, Ruth Bradley-Jones, and the Representative at the Taipei Representative Office, Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao.
