Pakistan–Taiwan relations explained

Mission2:Pakistani Consulate General in Hong Kong
Envoy1:Representative, Teng Sheng-Ping
Envoy2:Abdul Qadir Memon

Pakistan–Taiwan relations mainly involves commerce and trade. The relationship between Pakistan and Taiwan is primarily characterized by economic importance rather than political significance, given Pakistan's close alliance with the People's Republic of China.[1] [2] The Pakistani government adheres to a "One-China" policy.[3]

History

Pakistan and Taiwan have had a weak relationship since 1951. When Pakistan became independent, it maintained a relationship with Taiwan from 1947 to 1951, until China emerged on the global map following the Second Chinese Civil War, Pakistan took the side of the People's Republic of China instead of the Republic Of China (Taiwan).[4] [5]

Economic ties

Pakistan and Taiwan do not maintain any official embassy council, trade or cultural center, but maintain a trade relationship. In 2019, Taiwan expressed interest in relocating their textile industry from Vietnam to Pakistan, owing to cheap labour costs in Pakistan.[6] [7]

Trade volume

The major imports between Pakistan and Taiwan include petroleum products, electrical machinery, plastics, iron, and steel. According to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) data, Pakistan's imports from Taiwan totalled US$626 million in 2019. In the same year, its exports to Taiwan were worth US$100 million.[8]

Ambassador ties

Taiwan established an embassy in Pakistan after 1951, Pakistan reciprocated by establishing its own embassy in Taiwan. However, Pakistan later opened General Council in Hong Kong, whose jurisdiction spreads across Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Pakistan comes under the jurisdiction of Taiwan's Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.[9]

Notes and References

  1. News: Fresh guidelines issued to ministries, provinces on Taiwan. TheNews . May 25, 2016.
  2. News: Pakistan pursues trade ties with Taiwan. Taiwan News . September 4, 2019.
  3. https://mofa.gov.pk/pakistan-reaffirms-one-china-policy/ Pakistan reaffirms ‘One-China’ policy
  4. News: China's ally Pakistan secretly developing trade ties with Taiwan. Time Of India . September 3, 2020.
  5. News: Higher trade with Taiwan stressed. The Express Tribute . March 26, 2019.
  6. News: CPEC effect Taiwanese textile companies may relocate to Pakistan. The Express Tribute . November 17, 2019.
  7. News: Taiwanese textile makers eye Pakistan as industrial destination. Arab News . November 21, 2019.
  8. Web site: Taipei Taitra - List of TAITRA domestic and overseas offices . April 7, 2021 . October 28, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161028054842/http://taipei.taiwantrade.com.tw/flash/big/unitList.jsp?lang=en_US . dead .
  9. News: Delegation of Taiwan holds B2B meetings at LCCI. The Nation . March 25, 2019.