Taiwan's representative to U.S. hopeful ahead of TIFA talks 06/29/2021 12:59 PM Taiwan's representative to U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim. CNA file photo Washington, June 28 (CNA) Talks between Taiwan and the United States set for Wednesday will be instrumental in strengthening the bilateral economic relationship, Taiwan's Representative to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said in a Facebook post Monday. The talks, to be held virtually under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) after a near five-year hiatus, will form the basis for bilateral cooperation on trade and investment as Taiwan seeks closer economic ties with the U.S., Hsiao said. She expressed hope that the talks will pave the way for a bilateral trade agreement, on which Taiwan's government has been keen to start negotiations.