Premier Cho receives Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Sumi Shuzo

Premier Cho Jung-tai on Friday received a visiting delegation led by Sumi Shuzo, chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. The premier stated that during this visit, Chairman Sumi attended the 49th Taiwan-Japan Economic and Trade Conference, at which the two sides signed a digital trade agreement, establishing new standards to advance personal data protection, online consumer protection and communications security. The conference also saw the signing of a Taiwan-Japan memorandum of understanding (MOU) on regional customs cooperation. This MOU will enable more secure, convenient and efficient customs clearance between Kaohsiung Customs and Kobe Customs, facilitating broader economic and trade cooperation and exchanges in the future.

The premier recalled Chairman Sumi's recent statement that any attempt to change the status quo through coercion or force is unacceptable, and that Taiwan is an extremely important partner and cherished friend with whom Japan shares fundamental values. Premier Cho said he was deeply moved by these remarks, as well as by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's recent reaffirmation of the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that his sincere hope is safety for Taiwan, safety for Japan, and peace for the world. He added that peace depends upon strength, and that only with strong capabilities can we secure true peace and ensure that no crises arise.

Premier Cho further noted that regarding industrial cooperation, Taiwan's government supports Taiwanese businesses in expanding their global presence and contributing to prosperity and progress in Japan, the U.S., Europe and beyond. In addition, it will continue to position Taiwan as a hub for research, development and manufacturing, with the premier expressing confidence that combining these efforts with Japan's advanced materials, equipment and technologies will enable the two partners to amplify each other's strengths.

In his remarks, Chairman Sumi highlighted that the successful signing of the digital trade agreement and the MOU on regional customs cooperation will enhance the security of online transactions and data exchanges, and speed up bilateral efforts to combat smuggling and streamline customs clearance. The chairman on Friday will also attend the eighth edition of a Taiwan-Japan business cooperation committee meeting on expanding into third-country markets, where he hopes to foster stronger economic collaboration and bilateral ties.