Representation would boost business, tourism and bilateral exchanges
Taiwan’s representative in Portugal, Chang Tsu-che, has in an interview with Lusa called on Portugal to open a diplomatic representation in Taipei, which he said would boost business and bilateral exchanges, taking advantage of opportunities in tourism and air links.
At a point where Taiwan is being increasingly ‘threatened’ by China, which insists it is part of Chinese territory, the country’s envoy in Lisbon noted that European countries that have the most trade relations with Taiwan – namely the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy – all have a representation, or office, in Taipei.
“A bilateral agreement between two representations could facilitate more business” because entrepreneurs need a system of protection, as well as answers to questions about duplicate taxes and duties,” he explained. “If there is an international company that wants to expand its business (into Portugal) and realises that it has to spend months getting a driving licence and there is the question of taxes and other issues, it will go to a friendlier country.”
Chang recounted a recent episode with an upmarket restaurant in Taiwan that, faced with the absence of a certificate to close an export deal with a meat supplier in Portugal, ended up doing business with Spain.
If Portugal opened a representation in Taiwan, he argued, that would allow the two sides to work together to “solve all these problems.”
Says Lusa, “Chang emphasised the similarities between Portugal and Taiwan, such as the fact that both countries share democratic and human rights values, noting that both sides “support Ukraine” following its illegal invasion by Russia.
“We can’t do much because we don’t have a diplomatic relationship, but if we have a channel, we can do many things,” he said, noting the advantage of Portugal having an official in Taipei who could authenticate documents and speed up processes, instead of everything having to go through Macau, a former colony of Portugal that is now a special administrative region of China.
Portugal should also focus on fostering tourism from Taiwan, he added, because of Taiwan’s 24 million inhabitants 17 million have travelled abroad, but very few to Portugal.
He highlighted the possibility of bringing in revenue through a flight linking Portugal, Taipei and Macau, says Lusa.
Recalling Taiwan’s connection with Portugal since the 16th century, when Portuguese mariners who passed through named the territory Formosa, Chang argues that it is time for the Portuguese to rediscover the island.
This Saturday, Taiwan has presidential and parliamentary elections, which are seen as a moment when the island will either become closer to, or more distant from, China – both results likely to impact on US-Chinese relations.
Taiwan’s envoy stresses neighbouring countries are all watching closely, “referring to Japan”, says Lusa, “a former coloniser of the island, and rival of China”.
“Japan knows very well that Taiwan is not the only target of China’s expansion. If communist China succeeds in seizing Taiwan, who will follow? It’s Japan”, he said. ND
Sources: Lusa/ Expresso/ Australian Financial Review/ BBC
