November 27, 2017
No.221
Two German Bundestag members, MP Tankred Schipanski of the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment, and MP Axel Knoerig of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy, will visit Taiwan at the invitation of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government from November 27 to December 1.
During their stay, they will gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s recent political, economic, and social developments, as well as its relations with mainland China. They will also exchange views with related agencies on such issues as Taiwan’s urban development, mass media, and arts education. They will call at the National Development Council, Mainland Affairs Council, National Immigration Agency, and Taipei City government. In addition to attending a luncheon hosted in their honor by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they will visit such sites of economic and cultural interest as the National Palace Museum, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, high-tech enterprises, academic institutions, and TV stations.
Germany is Taiwan’s largest trading partner in Europe, and Taiwan is Germany’s fifth-largest trading partner in Asia, with two-way trade reaching US$14.5 billion in 2016. In recent years, the countries have enjoyed close cooperation in such areas as the economy and trade, science and technology, culture, and tourism. (E)