The Council for Economic Planning and Development yesterday approved a plan to establish international business centers created to serve as a window for foreign investment and trade.
The centers, once approved by the Cabinet, would be operated by the private sector and staffed with advisers who provide complementary consulting services on doing business in Taiwan, the council said.
After a meeting presided over by Vice Premier Lin Hsin-yi (
According to a recent council survey, about 10 percent of foreign businesses polled said they see the urgent need for a single channel to manage the needs of foreign investors.
In addition, the proposed centers are to offer temporary office facilities. More than 80 percent of those surveyed said they would utilize the centers once they are completed.
The statement did not define usage fees or the number of business persons surveyed.
Meanwhile, about 90 percent of surveyed foreign companies hoped the centers will be located near the capital, Taipei, the council said.
Under the council's plan, the business centers would offer assistance with translation and interpretation, government investment regulations, local marketing strategies and an overview of local tax laws.
The council has tentatively suggested the China External Trade Development Council (CETRA,
It cited Japan as an example saying that the Japan External Trade Organization -- the Japanese equivalent of CETRA -- has set up and operated several business support centers in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Fukuoka to offer free office space and consulting services to foreign businesses.
The council said it may also adopt the Siemens AG model by encouraging foreign companies to set up international business centers with government incentives including lower rentals for potential tenants.
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