Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-Hsin and the Republic of the Marshall Islands' Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Anthony Muller co-chaired the 1st Joint Committee Meeting of the Taiwan-Marshall Islands Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) on October 21. They discussed various key topics, including trade, agriculture, energy, and the training of talent, further strengthening bilateral exchanges. Later, both ministers signed Resolution No. 1 (Functions and Rules of Procedure from the Joint Committee), thereby institutionalizing ECA cooperation.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) noted that consensus was achieved on several matters. On trade, both sides will promote exports, including participation by the Marshall Islands in the 2026 Kaohsiung International Food Show and the 2027 Taipei International Food Show, thereby showcasing Marshallese aquatic products, coconut oil, pandanus whiskey, and handicrafts in Taiwan, while conducting business matchmaking sessions. On technology, the Marshall Islands recognized Taiwan's expertise in agriculture, livestock, and renewable energy. Both sides will jointly promote development programs to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
The MOEA stated that bilateral trade has grown steadily since the ECA took effect on January 15, 2025. Taiwan offers duty-free treatment to 3,043 products from the Marshall Islands, while the Marshall Islands grants preferential tariffs to 267 Taiwanese agricultural and fishery items. Consequently, bilateral trade surged 74.23% in 2025 over 2024. The rich marine resources from the Marshall Islands show strong export potential in Taiwan, while Taiwan's petroleum products and fishing gear support local Marshallese industries, demonstrating the strong and complementary economic ties between both sides.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a key Pacific ally, which shares Austronesian heritage and democratic values with Taiwan. The successful conclusion of this 1st ECA Joint Committee Meeting marked a milestone. Under the ECA framework, both countries will launch joint projects to deepen economic and technical ties, thereby fostering regional prosperity and sustainable development.