NDC responds to AmCham Taiwan White Paper

2015/06/08

Taiwan’s regulatory framework is coming into line with international standards as part of preparations for the involvement of the country in second-stage expansion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, according to the National Development Council June 4.

“Implementing institutional reform and strengthening Taiwan’s global competitiveness remain the government’s top policy priorities on the road to regional integration,” NDC Minister Duh Tyzz-jiun said. “All agencies are stepping up communication of new regulations to ensure foreign firms face no operational difficulties.”

The minister’s remarks follow the release earlier the same day of the 2015 Taiwan White Paper by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei.

In its annual position paper, AmCham Taipei called for Taiwan’s inclusion in the TPP but highlighted deficiencies in current regulatory procedures.

The penchant of civil servants and lawmakers for devising unique-to-Taiwan rules and regulations is one of the most frustrating aspects of operating in country, the paper said, adding that such deviation from standard global practices imposes a heavy burden on multinational corporations.

In addition, the paper said lack of transparency in the regulatory process, especially during the rules-making stage, is the root cause of many of the defects that arise in Taiwan’s regulatory system.

“Correcting those shortcomings would enhance Taiwan’s qualifications and build political momentum for accession to TPP, but even more importantly would help strengthen the business climate for the benefit of both foreign and domestic companies.”

AmCham recommends the Cabinet set up a TPP Preparation Task Force, enabling clear directives to be passed to all government departments and implementation results properly monitored.

This move will “send a clear message to the international trading community about Taiwan’s strong determination to ready itself for TPP membership.”

The paper also contained the suggestion that Washington maintain a strict annual schedule for the council meetings under the U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

There must be U.S. support for Taiwan’s inclusion in second-round TPP negotiations, as this participation is in the American national interest and failure to do so could pose “grave long-term consequences” for both sides.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=231198&ctNode=413)