This year has seen a dramatic downturn in not only Taiwan's economy but also the global one. Taiwan is experiencing difficult times with high unemployment and a large drop in exports. Many of the island's hi-tech firms have moved offshore, specifically to China's booming market. This shift is placing new demands on Taiwan, forcing a rethink of conventional ideas. This challenge should be embraced with new ideas and not old ones in a new suit.
Taiwan's accession to WTO is a case in point. Entry to the world body will provide a more transparent and level playing field for businesses here, but it will require change to properly manage the new business environment. The political arena will also have to embrace change.
The recent elections, although acrimonious at times, have once again highlighted Taiwan's vibrant democracy and how far the political process has come. Taiwan should be applauded for this, however, the current impasse in the Legislature needs to be resolved quickly in order for Taiwan to tackle the very serious problems the island is facing and move forward.
For the European Chamber of Commerce Taipei, the likely establishment of an EC office in the future will provide European companies here with another strong voice and the Taiwanese government with an organization it can deal with at the political level.
Position Papers
Once again, our industry-specific committees have produced 13 comprehensive Position Papers, which have again been published as the 2001/2002 Position Papers. They have already been distributed to members. The Papers are also available on our website. They will also be widely distributed to local government ministries and officials in Taiwan and Europe.
These Position Papers continue to be the mainstay of our lobbying efforts on behalf of members, in fact, on our recent trip to Brussels they were once again well received and not only highly praised but the European Commission also incorporates our recommendations into their market access talks with Taiwan.
In some cases the Legislature has recognized recommendations and has implemented change. In addition, bilateral discussions were held in August with the CEPD on our Position Papers.
Government relations
Taiwan's democracy continues to grow and mature. The recent Legislative and County Magistrate elections are an indication of this. The presidential election last year saw much of our Government Relations activities consisting of reaffirming the relationship with the various ministries, bureaus and departments of government, a process that has been continued this year and further developed.
This year visits included the Premier's office, MOEA, MOJ, MOF, CEPD and MOFA. In addition, old friends such as the KMT chairman, Lien Chan and DPP chairman, Frank Hsieh were visited and through direct dialogue a variety of business issues were raised.
These officials acknowledging the ECCT's concerns and where possible taking action. This year's round of government visits has been very intensive and we are extremely happy with the results. The government has again indicated its intention to promote a further development of relations with Europe. Premier Chang in his Europe Day Dinner speech reiterated President Chen Shui-bian determination to enhance bilateral relations with Europe.
In addition, a bi-annual golf tournament, the CIECA-ECCT golf tournament, with government representatives, primarily from the MOEA and MOFA, has been continued.
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