Taipei, Feb. 23 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday he hopes that commercial exchanges between the Republic of China and Panama can grow substantially after their bilateral free trade agreement took effect at the beginning of this year.
Chen made the comments while meeting with Panamanian First Vice President Arturo Vallarino who arrived in Taipei Sunday at the head of a large commerce and industry delegation for a six-day official visit. "We welcome your visit, " Chen told his guests. "I believe your visit will contribute to the promotion of trade and economic cooperation between our two countries."
Chen said he exchanged the instruments of ratification of the ROC-Panama free trade agreement with Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso during his state visit to Panama last November. "Now that the agreement is in effect, I hope the provisions of the pact can be fully substantiated to facilitate bilateral trade, investment and technological cooperation for the mutual benefit of both sides," Chen said.
For his part, Vallarino said he will take advantage of his current visit to help lay an even more solid foundation for future Taiwan-Panamanian commercial exchanges and economic cooperation.
Also present at the meeting were ROC Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Huang Lung-yuan and Panamanian Ambassador to the ROC Jose Antonio Dominguez.