Hakan Cervell, Chairman, European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan

Dr Chen Mei-ling, Minister, National Development Council 國家發展委員會 陳美伶 主任委員

Taiwan's economy has been steadily recovering in recent years with GDP growth of 0.72% in 2015, 1.48% in 2016 and continuing expansion in the first half of 2017, thanks to a recovery in industrial activity and global trade. Taiwan's leading economic indicators are pointing to continued growth ahead. The official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for September 2017 remained above the neutral mark for the 19th consecutive month at 58.7, helped by the anticipation of peak seasonal demand for technology products and more business for local component suppliers. The outlook for the service sector is also positive as indicated by a reading of 53.6 for the non-manufacturing index.

Meanwhile, the government has promised to help boost economic development through a massive infrastructure spending programme and further reforms to labour laws and electricity liberalisation, among other actions. While the figures are positive and there is strong potential momentum, foreign investors continue to face a number of obstacles that are hindering the development of their business operations in Taiwan. Addressing these issues will be crucial if Taiwan is to continue to attract and maintain foreign investment.

The ECCT's 2018 Position Papers will share European experiences, best practices and models with the government that are aimed at ensuring Taiwan's continued economic prosperity.

As is tradition, the Minister of the National Development Council (NDC) has been invited to the launch to receive a copy of the Position Papers and make a few remarks on behalf of the Taiwan government.

The ECCT's Position Papers are published annually by the ECCT and include a collection of industry-specific issues and recommendations from a European business perspective on how to further improve the business environment in Taiwan. This year's papers, compiled by the 25 of the ECCT's 30 committees, primarily address the Taiwan government, but also serve to inform the European Commission, the governments of the individual European member states as well as the media and the general public.