New NDC Minister Chen Mei-ling Visits AmCham

Just two weeks after taking office as Minister of the National Development Council (NDC), Chen Mei-ling paid a courtesy call at AmCham Taipei accompanied by colleagues including Deputy Minister Kao Shien-quey, Director-general Connie Chang of the Department of Overall Planning, Director of the Minister’s Office Ray Chou, and staff members from the Council’s Regulatory Reform Center.

The group was received at AmCham Taipei’s 6^th floor Lincoln Room by Standing Vice Chairman Dan Silver, Vice Chairman Daniel Tseng, President Andrea Wu, Former Chairman Paul Cassingham, Governors Tim Ju and Vincent Shih, and Senior Directors Don Shapiro and Amy Chang.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics including energy policy, the labor law, government procurement, healthcare policy, the automotive industry, the promotion of data technology, and the importance of attracting foreign investment.

Minister Chen, who holds a master’s degree in law from National Taiwan University and a doctorate in law from National Cheng Chi University, served as Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan before taking her current position. She said that her legal background means she is likely to take a different approach from her predecessors heading the NDC, who were mainly economists. While affirming the importance of economic development, she said that her concept of “development” is broader, incorporating the various other factors that impact life in Taiwan.

The new minister expressed the wish to maintain frequent contact with AmCham Taipei as issues of mutual concern arise.