Igår talade jag på Taiwans nationaldag nedan mitt tal.
Mr. Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are all graded here tonight to celebrate the national day of Taiwan. I would like to take this opportunity to give a speech and greetings from the Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Association. First, I just want to explain the purpose of the Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian association we have in the Swedish Parliament. The association’s purpose shall be to promote contacts between parliamentarians in Sweden and Taiwan and support the exchange between the countries’ economic and otherwise information about Taiwan among Swedish parliamentarians. There has been several visits and exchange during the years. And we are one of the biggest associations in the parliament.
I am also glad for the very good contact and cooperation we, in the association, have with the Taipei Mission in Stockholm.
As said earlier today we celebrate the national day for Taiwan. The knowledge of Taiwan is getting bigger in Sweden. There is a big business exchange between our countries. And the import and export between the countries grows every year. And I think we could have more co-operations between the countries. To further promote bilateral trade, exchange of research and knowhow, tourism among others, it is important to remove barriers such as complicated and time-consuming visa application processes. A couple of years ago EU decided to lift visa requirements for Taiwanese citizens. BUT more can be done to really work for a more opened market. EU and Taiwan needs an Investment agreement with the EU and I hope that will happened very soon. It would led to job creation, market access, investment promotion cooperation, and added many more values – a win win both for EU countries and Taiwan.
Taiwan, stands as a symbol of what great success a country can achieve when it decides to work hard.
In a sometimes unsecure world, Taiwan plays an important role. And could play an even bigger role. Through shared background and cultural values, Taiwan is an important bridge between China and the Western World. With the support of the international community, Taiwan will be able to remain an important actor and defender of democratic values.
Hopefully Taiwan can be able to do more on the international arena. For example in more international organization, in the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, for example. A couple of weeks ago I got to learn that Taiwanese citizens can´t even visit the UN the New York on their own passport because of China. This shows how important is to support Taiwan and raise the knowledge about the country and the situation.
As the representative for the Swedish Parliamentarian association, I am delighted to meet all of You here this evening. Ladies and gentlemen please raise your glasses in a toast for the celebration of the national day of Taiwan.
