When receiving a Canadian Parliamentarian delegation on October 9, President Chen Shui-bian said that they are the fifth delegation from Canada to visit Taiwan this year, which symbolizes the close friendship between Taiwan and Canada. The delegation, consisting of members from 4 major parties of Canada, was led by Rahim Jaffer, Chair of the National Conservative Caucus.
In the meeting, President Chen pointed out that Taiwan is Canada's 11th largest trade partner in the world and the 7th major source of foreign tourist and student for Canada. There are currently 15,000 Taiwanese students studying in Canada, and more than 100,000 Taiwanese people tour Canada a year. President Chen suggested that the Canadian government adopt a visa-free policy for the Taiwanese people in order to attract more Taiwanese tourists.
President Chen also appreciated the Parliament of Canada for having passed several resolutions in the past few years in support of Taiwan's participation in the WHO and other international activities.
President Chen said that many technological cooperations between Canada and Taiwan are underway and he hoped that through the joined efforts of both sides, Taiwan and Canada could develop closer cooperation in tariff, taxation, public health and justice.
Also present at the meeting were Gerald Keddy MP, Senator Jane Cordy, Senator Pana Merchant, Nicole Demers MP, Guy Andre MP, Wayne Marston MP, Taiwan's Vice Foreign Minister Chang Siao-yue, and Deputy Secretary-General to the President Liu Shyh-fang.