Premier Lin Chuan received a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taipei today, discussing recommendations on Taiwan's investment climate and ways to forge closer links with world markets.
Lin also thanked AmCham Chairman Dan Silver for supporting Taiwan on the chamber's 2016 "Doorknock" trip to Washington D.C. (June 20-24), during which the chamber conveyed to U.S. government officials the importance of Taiwan entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) when it expands beyond its original 12 members.
Regarding the 2016 Taiwan White Paper published by AmCham, Lin said he appreciated the book's recommendations concerning Taiwan's investment barriers, business environment, regulatory framework and international links. The government will strive to improve all of these areas and create better conditions for TPP membership.
The Taiwan-U.S. relationship is among the most important of all of Taiwan's foreign relations, Lin said, and the government values exchanges in all areas, whether in trade, technology, academia, culture or regional security. The two sides have formed a solid partnership based on shared values of freedom and democracy. The premier thanked AmCham for its past efforts and hopes the chamber will continue to serve as a communication channel between Taiwan and the U.S.
The National Development Council said its TPP strategy contains five components: update and expand impact assessments, accelerate regulatory harmonization and responses, step up communication efforts domestically and gather feedback, woo support from TPP members, and build domestic capabilities. These efforts will also enhance and diversify Taiwan's foreign trade markets while strengthening its regional and global ties.
After the text of the TPP agreement was published, Taiwan's government agencies developed an inventory of regulatory differences and have submitted the appropriate amendments and supporting measures for the Executive Yuan's approval, the council said. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has also established a TPP Communication Projects Office and set up a dedicated website and Facebook page to facilitate communication and interaction among all sectors.