HEAD OF BRITISH TRADE OFFICE ADVOCATES DIRECT CROSS-STRAIT FLIGHTS.

TAIPEI, Dec 1 Asia Pulse - Taiwan should allow direct flights across the Taiwan Strait to enhance its regional and international competitiveness, Derek Marsh, outgoing director-general of the British Trade and Cultural Office (BTCO) said Wednesday.

Marsh, who is about to leave his post in Taiwan after three-and-a-half years, made the recommendation in an interview with the Central News Agency.

The new U.K. representative, Michael Reilly, will take over the post on Dec. 17.

Talking about the relationship between Taiwan and the United Kingdom, Marsh also discussed ways that Taiwan can improve its international competitiveness in the interview with CNA.

Excerpts of the interview follow:

CNA: What can Taiwan and the United Kingdom do to enhance their relationship?

Derek Marsh: There are many aspects in which both countries have to make efforts. We are trying to create a modern image of Britain. In the past, people in general rather have an image of Britain as a traditional country. Such as the Tower of London. It is a wonderful thing about British culture, but it really doesn't capture what is really going on in the U.K. today, such as the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society aspect. The U.K. is actually one of the largest economic bodies in the world with low unemployment, low inflation, with many Nobel prize winners as well as many scientific innovations, and also a leading edge in the creative industry.