Retaining Taiwan's industrial base

When considering their future, how can those industries remaining in Taiwan -- for their own survival's sake -- not move ahead with plan to leave soon?

Talk of the future "big three links" (大三通) has given local enterprises heart palpitations and made them think about making an early exodus to China to obtain a favorable foothold there. Since the "big three links" are inevitable, how can industries striving to match their actions to the times possibly remain in Taiwan and continue to provide job opportunities for labor?

In sum, as no current development or trend is beneficial to labor, I would propose the following countermeasures:

First, the government needs to engage in more meticulous planning and discussion regarding foreign labor and related measures. Care must be taken so that the big isn't sacrificed for the sake of the small, leaving workers worse off. The government should also discuss in greater depth how it will achieve its policy objectives.

Second, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the CLA should cooperate on industrial policy adjustments. Only concerted action will ensure the survival and shared prosperity of both labor and employers.

Third, the CLA 's Employment and Vocational Training Administration should increase promotion of job-transferral and multi-skill training programs for workers in industries that have moved off-shore. Any Taiwanese companies operating off-shore should have package measures and planning in place regarding compensation, as well as re-training for discharged workers, no matter what the industry.

Fourth, government departments need to listen more carefully and respectfully to the voice of business. There also have to be clear-cut measures that encourage businesses to foster a sense of social duty towards safeguarding the rights and interests of labor.

Fifth, the government should plan for the knowledge economy and financial measures appropriate to it, paying more attention to bringing in new jobs and new types of services. Measures for education and training need to be passed, to give workers the abilities and skills necessary to adjust to the age of the knowledge-based economy. Finally, it is to be hoped that when making China policy, officials will take into account the protection and advancement of job opportunities for domestic labor.

Chen Ming-chang is a professor in the department of business administration at National Taipei University.

Translated by Scudder Smith