Events
Our quality program of events continues to improve. In addition to the monthly luncheons and their high calibre speakers, a series of breakfast seminars has proved to be not only popular but also extremely informative for members. This year's Europe Day Dinner in May saw Premier Chang Chun-hsiung attend along with a large contingent of government officials.
The Europe Day Dinner was extremely well attended and resulted in substantial coverage for the ECCT. The speech by the Premier underlined the importance that the ROC attaches to good relationships with Europe.
The Europe Day dinner also allowed our members and invitees to meet with high-ranking officials of the new government in a more relaxed setting. Unfortunately we had to cancel this year's Gala Ball. One of the most anticipated events on the social calendar, the Gala Ball fell victim to the vicissitudes of management where previous arrangements could not be maintained resulting in the Ball being cost inhibitive and cancelled.
However, due to the popularity of the event the Board will forge ahead with alternative plans and is organizing an event for March of next year.
In addition, during 2001 there were three SES dinners, one lunch with the CEPD and two meetings with the Taipei City Government.
Membership & Finance
Membership numbers have decreased this year by more than twenty companies. This is a reflection of an increasingly difficult economic environment with many businesses merging, moving offshore and rationalizing costs. As a result, a concerted membership drive has been initiated and has had some success.
Financially, the ECCT performed less well than expected but it still posted a surplus. The Secretariat continues to perform well.
We look forward to the coming year, as changes in Europe, in particular the introduction of euro coins and notes will herald significant changes there. The ongoing liberalization as a result of Taiwan's WTO accession will create further opportunities in Taiwan for European firms.
The Board of Directors extends their appreciation for the support of the membership in maintaining the ECCT as an increasingly effective organization.
In closing this report, I would like to extend a formal "thank you" to our friend Theo Stiftl, CEO of the ECCT, for more than six years of service to the organization and who recently decided to retire from the ECCT.
Under his management, the Secretariat has made good progress and through working with the different boards over the years has been able to provide the numerous high quality events and activities for ECCT members. He will be leaving us with the knowledge that his efforts have been appreciated and we wish him all the best.
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