ECCT Premium Event

Launch of the ECCT's 2019 Position Papers

Position Paper presenter
Håkan Cervell, Chairman, European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan

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

12:00 - 14:00, Wednesday, 21 November, 2018
Shangri-la Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, East Gate (B1)/台北遠東國際大飯店B1 怡東園
No. 201 Sec 2 Dun-Hwa S. Road/台北市敦化南路二段201號

2018 has been marked by an exceptionally high level and frequency of engagement between the ECCT and the Taiwan government. Dozens of meetings have been held between ECCT committees and government officials, including Premier Lai, several cabinet ministers, heads of bureaus, departments, agencies and numerous working level officials. Thanks to these exchanges and the government's proactive approach, many of the issues raised in the 2018 Position Papers have been resolved. At the launch of the ECCT’s 2019 Position Papers, we will review progress made and introduce the new papers that highlight priority issues and 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 2019 Position Papers and make a few remarks on behalf of the Taiwan government.

Taiwan's economy has been steadily improving since 2015 with GDP growth of 0.81% rising to 1.41% in 2016 and 2.89% in 2017 and continuing expansion in the first half of 2018, thanks to robust industrial activity and global trade. Taiwan’s leading economic indicators are pointing to steady growth ahead. The government’s official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for August 2018 remained above the neutral mark for the 29th consecutive month at 56, helped by the anticipation of peak seasonal demand for technology products and more business for local component suppliers. However, some firms are nervous about possible fallout from the US-China trade dispute. The outlook for the service sector also remains positive as indicated by a reading of 52.6 for the non-manufacturing index, although this is down 4.4 points from a month earlier given a less positive view of firms in the hospitality, construction, financial and insurance sectors.

While the figures are positive and there is steady 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.

About the ECCT’s Position Papers
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 23 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.

NT$1,400 for members; NT$2,000 for members' guest(s)

To Cancel without penalty, written cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to the event.
Contact: Fiona Lee / Tel 2740-0236 ext. 215 / fiona.lee@ecct.com.tw / www.ecct.com.tw