TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) told EU envoy Lutz Guellner on Monday that Taiwan should intensify trade and reduce tariffs for Europe.

Lu described the risks of the Trump administration’s 32% tariff against Taiwan as an opportunity for more frequent exchanges between the EU and Taiwan, per CNA. The EU could allow Taiwan to expand and diversify its export markets, according to Lu.

The mayor advised the central government to listen to local governments and EU member states to decide on the issue. Lower tariffs would boost trade between both sides, she said.

European Economic and Trade Office Head Lutz Guellner mentioned European wind energy companies interested in Taiwan, and businesses from Taichung investing in the EU. He said closer relations are also possible in other fields, including culture.