Semiconductor `godfather' says Taiwan's global opening should encompass China

Taiwan is not opening enough economically toward China if the government's vows to open Taiwan globally are truthful, the "god-father" of the nation's semiconductor industry said.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manu-facturing Co chairman Morris Chang (張忠謀) said during a speech at National Chengchi University that while the government strives to "globalize" Taiwan's economy and trade, it makes little sense that Taiwan still restricts investment in and trade activities with China, which has a quarter of the world's population and an annual economic growth averaging 10 percent.

Speaking to the Elite Chair sponsored by the university's College of International Affairs on world-class enterprises' global development and Taiwan's challenges in terms of global development, Chang said that Taiwan would be opening its economy only about three-quarters if opening toward China remained restricted.

He said there was still room for Taiwan to improve when it comes to relations between the legal system and economic development.

Chang added that the legislature should work to uphold justice and fairness, while the administration should implement laws designed to promote sound economic development.

Chang added that it was easier to maintain global production operations compared with the globalization of personnel or human resources.

It takes insight, courage and ability to deal with people, the semiconductor industry veteran said.