TRADE WATCH : Two for the Money

Taipei and Moscow, an unlikely duo?

Nothing’s impossible in the post-Cold War world, where trade is taking the chill out of ideology.

Although these two countries do not recognize each other diplomatically, trade between them has been rapidly increasing. Expanding trade may be a way to improve their relations, thanks to a more open attitude on the part of both Taipei and Moscow.

Longtime anti-communist Taiwan played host last weekend to Moscow Mayor Gavriil Popov, the most senior Soviet dignitary to visit Taiwan since 1949.

Encouraged by his visit, Taiwan will reportedly open its markets to more Soviet products and will consider financial aid for the Soviet Union. It will also invite the Soviet Union to bid on machinery needed for Taiwan’s state-owned construction projects and enterprises.

Moscow is interested in establishing trade and investment ties with its Asian neighbors. A month ago, it established diplomatic ties with Seoul to expand trade between the two countries.

Separately, Moscow is attempting to settle a dispute with Tokyo on the Kuril Islands in order to secure economic help, trade and investment from Japan.

Taiwan, recognized by 27 countries, has long been seeking to end its isolation from the international community since its ouster from the United Nations in 1971. Its trade with the Soviet Union totaled $77 million in the first nine months of 1990. A new relationship between the two would be most welcomed and should be encouraged.