The European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) published the 2015 White Paper today.  In the White Paper, the ECCT pointed out that Taiwan should not be complacent about what she has achieved and should show the determination of further success and promote herself as the pioneer of a smart city, the center of health innovation, a regional financial center and a showcase for renewable energy.

The ECCT’s White Paper is published annually in November.  In the 2012 White Paper, the ECCT emphasized the importance of free trade.  In last year’s White Paper, the focus was on the amendment of consumer protection laws in response to the food safety scandals.  This year, the ECCT drew attention to the issues concerning energies. 

According to the ECCT, the EU plans to increase the share of renewal energy to 27% by 2030; however, the Taiwanese government sets the target at merely 8% by 2025.  The ECCT said the Taiwanese government should be more ambitious.  The ECCT expressed that Taiwan is sunny and windy, and is a major supplier of solar panels; therefore, Taiwan has great potential of switching to renewable energy.

The ECCT suggested that Taiwan should open up the electricity market, increase the use of renewable energy, streamline the process for linking renewable energy to the national grid, and increase the public’s involvement in renewable energy plans.  

The ECCT pointed out that industries, buildings and transportation together accounted for 70% of the total energy consumption in Taiwan.  The Taiwanese government should amend the regulations to encourage the use of green buildings and electric cars so as to promote Taiwan as the pioneer of a low carbon emission city. 

As for the financial market, the ECCT acknowledged the reform of the financial market introduced by the Taiwanese government in the past years; however, Taiwan is still behind Singapore and Hong Kong.  In the White Paper, the ECCT pointed out that Taiwan should expand the scope of investment products and relax the restrictions on professional investors and on the investment in China. 

In the aspect of healthcare, the ECCT has mentioned the graded pricing principle for prescription drugs, a streamlined drug review process and the introduction of a cost-sharing system in the past White Papers.   The recurrence of these issues indicates that the problems have never been addressed. The government should really tackle these issues. 

This year’s White Paper focuses on “Map Out the Future of Taiwan”.  It covers 116 issues raised by 23 committees, including 64 issues brought forward from previous White Papers and 52 new issues.  The White Paper will be delivered to the Chairman of the National Development Council this afternoon.

【2014-11-25 / United Evening News】