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Updated Saturday, December 15, 2007 0:00 am TWN, The China Post news staff

Good government relations key to resolving problems

The ECCT has been publishing position papers annually with specific recommendations to the government since 1994, making it the first foreign business chamber in Taiwan to do so. But the position papers are only one part of the chamber’s government relations efforts. Over 60 meetings with all levels of government including the Presidential office, the Judicial Yuan, the Executive Yuan and its ministries were organised during the course of the year and the regular consultations have resulted in continued improvement in mutual understanding, which is the precursor to progress in issues facing ECCT member companies. Thanks to persistent efforts by the ECCT’s committees, considerable progress was made. Of the 155 issues raised by 22 of the ECCT’s 28 industry and support committees and listed in the 2006-2007 Position Papers, 18 issues were resolved, 17 issues saw significant progress while 15 issues saw minor progress or acceptable compromise solutions were reached with the government. The most important ones are as follows:

• Asset management: The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has allowed certain new product categories, such as High Yield Bond Funds, to be set sold in Taiwan.

• Automotive: The Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MoTC) will allow the re-issuance of test reports from accredited laboratories, the government created an exemption in the regulations for car parts marking to reduce additional compliance costs, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) added an additional engine displacement category which improved but does not sufficiently cover imported high-end vehicles.

• Banking: Restrictions have been eased on the issuance of new bank branch licenses, and negative listing has been introduced in the product approval process.

• Better Living: Emergency response centers now require at least one person to have passed a basic English test (GEPT) to assist foreigners during emergency situations.

• Human Resources: Problems related to identification verification and multiple-entry permits for foreign expatriates’ PRC spouses were resolved. The government agreed to address problems related to extending visas, and work and residence permits for expatriates and their families.

• Retail: Retail buildings with fewer than five floors no longer require a basement for bomb shelters, the government has improved the inspection process for imported rice, the Department of Health has improved the certification process for cosmetics products, and the PRC import ban on a number of textile products was removed.

• Transportation: The amended Civil Aviation Act allows individuals to own and operate private aircraft and to invest in airline or airport services.

It is in particular noteworthy to mention that the Transportation Committee saw both of its 2006 Position Paper issues resolved and postponed its meetings until further notice.

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	2007 ECCT Chairman Ralf Scheller presents the cartoon used in the ECCT 2007-2008 Position Papers to the media at the launch of the position papers and the ECCT-KPMG Comparative Study on Taiwan’s Taxation Climate and Competitiveness.(Courtesy of ECCT) More Photos (2)


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