PROGRESS IN FREE TRADE TALKS BETWEEN SINGAPORE, TAIWAN

TAIPEI - Free trade talks between Taiwan and Singapore are going smoothly, Economics Minister Shih Yen-shiang said, adding that both sides "have reached a common consensus on most of the chapters and articles." Bilateral talks on the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership, better known as the ASTEP, have been proceeding smoothly, Shih told reporters, but declined to give further details.