DPP stalls on China-Taiwan trade-in-services agreement

TAIPEI – Opposition in the Legislative Yuan led by the Democratic Progress Party (DPP) is delaying parliamentary approval for a trade-in-services agreement signed between Taiwan and China last June.

Under the pact, China has agreed to open up its e-commerce, printing, hospitals, construction, transportation, tourism, entertainment, funeral services and securities businesses to Taiwanese operators.

Taiwan has agreed to allow Chinese investors to run printing, car rental, cargo transportation, gondolas, beauty parlours and salons, gaming and funeral services operations.

The opening of those sectors to Chinese capital has raised concerns in Taiwan. The Legislature has held a series of 16 hearings on the agreement since September to address doubts and build consensus (ATI).