Taipei, Sept. 13 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday he hopes the Japanese government can sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Taiwan and offer visa-free privileges for Taiwan citizens intending to visit Japan.
Chen made the statement while meeting with Seishiro Eto, an influential member of the lower house of the Japanese Diet (parliament) who is heading a pro-Taiwan group from the southern Japanese prefecture of Oita on a goodwill visit to Taiwan.
Noting that both Taiwan and Japan are working hard to attract foreign tourists to boost economic development and international friendships, Chen said if the Japanese government offers visa-free treatment for prospective Taiwan visitors, the move will contribute to Japan's goal of doubling tourist arrivals.
Chen also appealed for an early signing of a Taiwan-Japan free trade pact, saying the agreement will not only contribute to bilateral trade and economic cooperation but will also facilitate the two countries' domestic economic development and global business expansion drives.
Moreover, Chen went on, the signing of a Taiwan-Japan free trade pact would have a positive impact on East Asian regional economic integration and cooperation.
For his part, Eto said he will push the Japanese government to offer 30-day visa-free treatment to Taiwan citizens. As to the free trade agreement, Eto said he has long been asking the Japanese government to start FTA negotiations with Taiwan.
Acknowledging Eto as a high-profile Japanese lawmaker, Chen said he appreciates Eto's long-term support for Taiwan. Eto, a member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, concurrently serves as a chief secretary of a large pro-Taiwan group in the Japanese Diet. "I hope you can continue to use your political clout to help boost substantive Taiwan-Japan relations," the president said.