Pharmaceutical News
President Tsai: Taiwan’s absence from the WHA will have an impact on the health of people around the world
2019/05/12

Reported by Su Yong-Yao from Taipei

In the meeting with the President of the Belgian Senate, Jacques Brotchi, President Tsai Ing-wen stressed the bilateral trading relationship between Taiwan and Belgium, and hoped the Belgian government could help to persuade the EU to start the trade talk with Taiwan so as to protect the investors and businesses from both sides.  President Tsai also urged Dr Brotchi to support Taiwan in taking part in the WHO activities as Taiwan’s absence from the WHO will create a hole in the global disease prevention network and, hence, impose a health threat to people around the world.

Dr Brotchi had visited Taiwan for many times when he was the chairman of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. Dr Brotchi and the Belgian Senate are long-term allies of Taiwan.  They have made many decisions in favour of Taiwan, and have been supporting Taiwan in signing the BIA with the EU, joining international organizations and acknowledging Taiwan’s efforts in maintaining regional peace.  President Tsai expressed our deep gratitude towards Dr Brotchi’s support.

President Tsai pointed out the long-term trading partnership between Taiwan and Belgium.  Taiwan is now engaging in the development of green energy and biopharmaceuticals.  Both industries are highly developed in Belgium.  In fact, many Belgian businesses have already invested in Taiwan.

President Tsai mentioned that, according to the EU’s mid-term report on the review of trade policies, the EU is contemplating starting the Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) talk with Taiwan.  President Tsai hoped that Dr Brotchi could persuade the Belgium government to push this issue through in the EU Parliament. 

President Tsai expressed that Dr Brotchi has been giving his support to Taiwan in spite of the unreasonable obstacles placed by China.  For example, Dr Brotchi supported Dr Tu Yong-Kwang from Taiwan in his campaign for the Chairman of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.

President Tsai stressed that health is a basic human right. However, the Chinese government ignores the Taiwanese people’s rights by keeping Taiwan out of the WHA due to political reasons.  The Chinese government’s act has created a hole in the global disease prevention network.  Pro-Taiwan EU Parliament members have jointly issued a letter to the WHO to campaign for Taiwan’s presence in the WHA.  President Tsai hoped Dr Brotchi would lend us a helping hand on this issue.

【2019-05-06 / Liberty Times】