Taiwan responds to ECCT position papers

2014-11-28

The government will continue promoting Taiwan-EU exchanges across the board to create a raft of mutually beneficial business opportunities, according to the National Development Council November 25.

“Strengthened collaboration in economy, industry, technology and trade is certain to benefit Taiwan and the EU during this era of globalization and innovation,” NDC Minister Kuan Chung-ming said. “No effort will be spared in bringing Taiwan’s business environment in line with the rest of the world and expanding participation in regional economic integration.”

According to Kuan, Taiwan is implementing measures such as the Free Economic Pilot Zones and institutional reforms based on recommendations contained in the annual Doing Business reports issued by the World Bank. “Given Taiwan and the EU’s shared vision on innovation and trade liberalization, the time is ripe for both sides to fast-track negotiations on an economic cooperation agreement,” he said.

The minister made the remarks after receiving the 2015 Position Papers from Giuseppe Izzo, chairman of European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan, during a luncheon in Taipei City.

In its annual report titled “Shaping Taiwan’s Future: Building on Core Strengths,” the ECCT broached 116 key issues spanning better living, the environment, human resources, industry, intellectual property rights and technology.

According to the ECCT, Taiwan has created ideal conditions for future development, including a consistent legal system, highly skilled workforce, modern transport and telecommunications infrastructure, stable government and strong civic institutions.

“Taiwan has exceptionally broad and deep entrepreneurial strength with a multitude of small and medium enterprises,” the ECCT said, adding that the country’s average manufacturing costs remain extremely competitive on a global and regional basis.

Although Taiwan has the right economic building blocks in place, the ECCT said it needs to display a greater level of ambition, confidence, determination and vision going forward. “Taiwan should keep working to develop into a health care innovation hub, regional financial center, renewable energy showcase and smart city pioneer.”

The report will be used to brief the European commission, council and parliament when a delegation of ECCT board directors, committee chairs and staffers visit Brussels for the chamber’s annual Open Door Mission next month.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=224504&CtNode=413)