Taiwan congratulates BJP, Modi

New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) Taiwan has extended its congratulations on the BJP's poll victory and on Narendra Modi to take over as prime minister and said bilateral ties are expected to be strengthened to create a win-win situation.

In a letter of congratulations, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India said the Indian Lok Sabha election "went smoothly and peacefully, bearing testimony to the democratic quality and vitality of the people of India".

"The government of the Republic of China promptly extended its congratulations through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India to the government and people of India... Taiwan and India are expected to continue to strengthen bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations based on their long-term friendship, creating a win-win situation for both sides," it said.

It said "the amicable relations between Taiwan and India have brought about closer cooperation in a wide variety of areas, including economy, trade, education, technology and culture. In 2013, bilateral trade reached $6.1 billion. To date, over 90 Taiwan enterprises have placed investments in India, primarily in the industries of information and communication technology, shipping, construction, shoe-manufacturing and automobile parts and accessories.

"In July 2011, Taiwan and India signed agreements on the avoidance of double taxation and on customs cooperation. In March 2013, the two sides signed an agreement on ATA Carnets (an international customs and export-import document) and its protocol. Such instruments will help deepen the substantive economic and trade relations between Taiwan and India," the statement said.