MOEA steps up communication on goods pact

2014-09-18

A policy platform and dedicated website promoting the benefits of a trade in goods agreement between Taiwan and mainland China were launched Sept. 16 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The initiative, which follows the successful ninth round of negotiations on the pact last week in Yilan County, is expected to help bring the public up to speed on the key issues going forward. It will also ensure full transparency and minimize possible confusion surrounding exchanges between the representatives of both sides.

Wu Ming-ji, director-general of the MOEA’s Industrial Development Bureau, said part of this undertaking involves formulating five policy guidelines for Taiwan’s talks with mainland China: aid and assistance, favorable terms, industrial restructuring, labor compensation and trade remedies.

“In addition to serving as negotiator references, the guidelines will help minimize adverse effects on at-risk industries and workers,” Wu said. “The MOEA is also launching loan and subsidy programs targeting individual enterprises affected by the implementation of the pact.”

According to Wu, the government will establish two separate funds, estimated at NT$20 billion (US$663.2 million) and NT$98.2 billion, respectively, to facilitate industrial restructuring and tide over affected industries during the process of liberalization.

“In addition, the IDB will keep pushing for inclusion on the tariff reduction list of the nation’s major exports, display panels, machine tools and petrochemicals, as well as the lucrative automotive industry,” he said.

With Taiwan’s industrial sector set to come under greater pressure from the looming free trade agreement between South Korea and mainland China, Wu said the five principles will help create favorable conditions for future trade negotiations between Taipei and Beijing.

“Our roadmap will make sure everyone is on the same page during the talks,” Wu said. “We are committed to keeping our eye on the ball and working tirelessly for the people and future of Taiwan.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=221731&CtNode=413)