AmCham Releases Its 2023 White Paper

Nearly 30 reporters from local and international media outlets gathered at the Regent Taipei on June 7 for the launch of AmCham’s 2023 Taiwan White Paper. The press conference, led by AmCham Taiwan Chairperson Vincent Shih and President Amy Chang, was followed by a luncheon for members and their guests. 

Chang opened the event by emphasizing the significance of the White Paper, which has served as the Chamber’s flagship annual advocacy document for 27 years. It represents the interests of the international business community and provides a platform for AmCham to express its vision for Taiwan’s economic future, as well as for improving U.S.-Taiwan bilateral economic relations. She further noted that while members are closely monitoring geopolitical developments in the region, they maintain a strong dedication to Taiwan and its growth. 

AmCham Taiwan President Amy Chang and Chairperson Vincent Shih present the
2023 Taiwan White Paper during the June 7 press conference.

In this year’s White Paper, AmCham members urged Taiwan to speed up its digital transformation, implement and uphold sound regulatory governance, speed up the transition to renewable energy sources, and invest in talent to better meet the challenges of the 21st Century. 

The Chamber lauded the encouraging progress of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and urged both governments to establish a well-defined roadmap outlining the execution of agreements under the Initiative, and subsequently proceed with negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. AmCham also called on the U.S. government to schedule regular visits to Taiwan by high-ranking officials and continue to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, such as the World Health Assembly and International Civil Aviation Organization. 

President Amy Chang and Chairperson Vincent Shih answer questions from the media.

During the press conference, Chairperson Shih stressed that Taiwan currently finds itself in a “golden opportunity” to leverage the unprecedented level of international attention and goodwill it enjoys, and that there is no way to know how long this attention will last. He stressed that there is “no time to waste” in making Taiwan the region’s most attractive investment destination. Shih also summarized the status of the 2022 White Paper, with 8 issues solved, and 21 in good progress, out of a total of 102 raised.   

“We look forward to working with the National Development Council in the upcoming year to facilitate a new record-high number of solved issues,” Shih said. 

The press conference was followed by a luncheon attended by around 140 AmCham members and their guests, as well as special guest Minister of the National Development Council (NDC) Kung Ming-Hsin. Following a presentation by Shih, Minister Kung was invited to the stage to receive a copy of the White Paper on behalf of the Taiwan government.  

Chairperson Shih presents the 2023 Taiwan White Paper
to Minister Kung Ming-Hsin on behalf of the Taiwan government.

In his remarks, Kung expressed his gratitude to AmCham for its long-term support, and for providing advice on improvements to Taiwan’s investment environment and the strengthening of U.S.-Taiwan economic and trade relations. Kung responded to AmCham member requests for more meetings with the NDC saying that arranging meetings to discuss specific issues presented in the White Paper is definitely possible.  

Members of AmCham’s Board of Governors, Minister Kung and representatives
of the American Institute in Taiwan were present at the luncheon.

The 2023 Taiwan White Paper can be downloaded here: https://amcham.com.tw/advocacy/white-paper/

2023 Hsieh Nien Fan Highlights the Importance of Unity

A record 800 members, guests, and central and local government officials gathered at the Taipei Marriott Hotel on April 19 to celebrate the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan’s 55th annual Hsieh Nien Fan banquet.

The Hsieh Nien Fan serves as a way for the Chamber to thank its partners in the Taiwan government for their cooperation and support. It also demonstrates the Chamber’s influence, vitality, and commitment to the U.S-Taiwan economic and trade relationship. A key message that echoed across the evening’s four speeches was that solidarity brings strength.

AmCham Taiwan Chairperson Vincent Shih delivered the opening remarks, urging Taiwan to take full advantage of the current “golden opportunity” represented by the U.S.-Taiwan 21st-Century Initiative negotiations that got underway last year on standards such as “good regulatory practice.” He encouraged Taiwan to “continue to innovate and expand its industries,” noting that “Taiwan must accelerate the speed of regulatory reform and create an open, investment-friendly, and agile business environment that puts it on the world map.”

Upholding a two-decades-long tradition, President Tsai Ing-wen provided the evening’s keynote remarks. She highlighted Taiwan’s position as the U.S.’ eighth-largest trading partner and its ranking as the fourth-freest economy in the world. Tsai also reiterated her government’s commitment to improving the business environment through “concrete actions and plans.” She specifically mentioned Taiwan’s energy transition, reporting that Taiwan “is now back on track to fulfill the goal of producing 20GW from solar power and 5.6GW from offshore wind by 2025.”

Tsai also thanked AmCham for its “staunch support” of a free trade agreement with the U.S., which she said her government hopes to explore once the 21st–Century talks have concluded. “Taiwan will not waver in our commitment to improving and maintaining the robust business environment,” the President said. “Despite the challenges from China, we have been and will continue to be cautious in our management of cross-Strait relations. We will not be the provocateur, and we will work with our democratic partners to support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and across the Taiwan Strait.”

Following President Tsai’s speech, newly appointed American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chair Laura Rosenberger emphasized the warm links between the U.S. and Taiwan, stressing Taiwan’s role in the global economy and as a force for good. She said the U.S. would continue to “promote Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and multi-stakeholder forums.” Rosenberger commended AmCham’s White Paper, which she described as “an essential tool for policymakers in Washington and Taipei alike.”

AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk’s address highlighted U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly pertaining to the role of women in business, government, and society. Oudkirk emphasized that “U.S. support for Taiwan is rock-solid, principled, and bipartisan” and that worries that Taiwanese companies’ investment in the U.S. would “hollow out” Taiwan’s economy are unfounded.

Besides President Tsai, a record number of high-ranking Taiwanese central and local government officials were also in attendance, including Premier Chen Chien-jen, Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, Secretary-General to the President Lin Chia-lung, Secretary-General of the National Security Council Wellington Koo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu, Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua, Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-Yuan, Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang, Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang, Minister without Portfolio John Deng, and National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin. Representation from local governments included Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen, Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-An, as well as Deputy Mayors from New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taoyuan.

Read the 2023 Hsieh Nien Fan press release here.

AmCham Taiwan appreciates the support from the following member companies:

2023 Hsieh Nien Fan Remarks by Vincent Shih, Chairperson of AmCham Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan, April 19, 2023

(As Prepared)

President Tsai, AIT Director Oudkirk, Chairperson Rosenberger, Distinguished Guests, and my dear Chamber Members:

Good evening, and welcome to AmCham’s 55th annual Hsieh Nien Fan!

It’s my great pleasure to be with you tonight as we celebrate another successful year as Taiwan’s most influential international business organization. On behalf of the AmCham Board and our more than 1,100 members, I’d like to thank everyone involved in organizing this flagship event. Let’s give a round of applause for the unwavering support of staff, the Board of Governors and Supervisors, and stakeholders in making this evening possible.

Although we’ve held this event for 55 years, I can’t help but feel that this year is a bit special. The interest in our Hsieh Nien Fan was so great that we’re holding it at the Marriott for the first time to fit our record high 800 guests, who are all here because they believe in the power of collaboration – and definitely not for the free drinks we offered from the open bar outside!

But above all, this year is special because we find ourselves in a golden moment for business and international exchange. Our members’ continued dedication to the Taiwan market is a testament to the many opportunities available here. In fact, our Business Climate Survey shows that 88% of members plan to maintain or expand Taiwan investment – some by sponsoring the Hsieh Nien Fan.

The past year has not only seen investments in terms of dollars but also into the U.S.-Taiwan relationship – which, dare I say, is warmer than ever before.

The U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, and the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act are great examples of how the relationship has flourished.

Perhaps on all of our minds this evening is President Tsai’s recent transit through Los Angeles, where she met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and a bipartisan group of congressional leaders. And as President Tsai commented during that event: “We are stronger when we are together.” This is true not only of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship but also of the Chamber.

I must also agree with Speaker McCarthy’s comment in early April: the U.S. and Taiwan must strengthen their economic cooperation, particularly with trade and technology. We look forward to even more investment, trade, and people-to-people exchanges in the coming years, and hope that a bilateral tax agreement, which would encourage more interactions, will soon be a reality.

As a devoted partner, AmCham offers our support to create substantial results from the 21st-Century talks. We recognize the need for decisive action to sustain Taiwan’s growth, and international trade agreements and streamlined regulations are critical components of that effort.

There has never been a better time to take action than now. Taiwan finds itself in a prime position to make use of the spotlight currently shining on it. At a time of division, fostering closer relationships with likeminded partners will help ensure strength through prosperity.

We hope that Taiwan takes full advantage of this year of opportunity and continues to innovate and expand its industries, propelling its economy toward the future it deserves. Taiwan must accelerate the speed of regulatory reform and create an open, investment-friendly, and agile business environment that puts it on the world map. By investing in energy stability and renewables, implementing good regulatory practice, and increasing the resilience of our supply chains, public healthcare, and digital infrastructure by adopting public cloud, we can create an environment where businesses and people thrive.

With that in mind, I want to take this moment to express our gratitude for the constructive relationship we enjoy with the Taiwan government. As you can see in the audience here tonight, the Taiwan government values engagement with industry. Among you sit approximately 140 government officials and representatives. They come from a wide range of agencies and roles, showcasing the broad support the Chamber enjoys, and we’re honored to have this opportunity to say thank you to each one of you in our Hsieh Nien Fan.

Although time unfortunately limits me from showing appreciation to each of our esteemed government guests individually, I want to thank the National Development Council and Minister Kung Ming-hsin. Thanks to your coordination efforts, we have yet again concluded a series of meetings to discuss the 2022 White Paper issues. The Chamber looks forward to working more closely with the government to foster a business environment that is investment-friendly and aligns with international standards.

Naturally, our Chamber would not have thrived into its 72nd year without the help of a second, critical government partner. AmCham is grateful to our good friends at AIT and the extraordinary support provided by Director Oudkirk. We are also honored to have AIT Chairperson Rosenberger as our special guest tonight, and we hope for more exchanges with you in the future.

I’d also like to give special mention to Amy Chang, who stepped in as AmCham’s President this spring on short notice. Amy plays an important role in keeping the Chamber stable and successful as we prepare to welcome a new Chamber President. We are very grateful for her commendable leadership in such a dynamic period of AmCham’s history.

Lastly, I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Her Excellency President Tsai Ing-wen for joining us and delivering tonight’s keynote remarks. Since 2000, when the late President Lee Teng-hui gave the first presidential keynote speech at Hsieh Nien Fan, it’s been a tradition we have looked forward to every year. This is President Tsai’s seventh consecutive Hsieh Nien Fan, and we appreciate her support not only in her own attendance but also in bringing a great number of cabinet members to the occasion.

I would also like to congratulate President Tsai on receiving the Hudson Institute’s Global Leadership Award in late March. We too recognize your great courage and clear-eyed determination, as proven by the many achievements by you and your administration.

And a big thank you to everyone who took the time to attend our Hsieh Nien Fan. The Chamber looks forward to closer collaboration with you all in building strength through prosperity. I hope this night serves as a reminder of the things we can accomplish through dialogue and partnerships, and that the upcoming year will prove just how much stronger we are when we are together.  Thank you again and please enjoy this wonderful evening.

 

2023 Business Climate Survey Results Show Measured Confidence, Not Complacency

AmCham Taiwan Chairperson Vincent Shih announced the results of the Chamber’s 2023 Business Climate Survey (BCS) on February 7 at a press conference held at the Shangri-la Far Eastern Hotel in Taipei. Around 20 media organizations were present at the event. Shih detailed the survey’s major findings, which were summarized in a 16-page report produced by AmCham. The report conveys the responses of 214 voting members, representing both international and domestic businesses, with most members holding upper management positions.

While overall confidence in Taiwan’s future economic performance decreased from its record high in 2022 to 71% in 2023, 88% said their companies were maintaining or even increasing investment in Taiwan. When asked about their confidence in the economy over the next three years, 79% expressed at lease some confidence, showing that the global economic headwinds companies are facing are believed to be short term.

Members also reported a decline in satisfaction with the regulatory environment. 46% say that Taiwan’s regulations are not updated in response to changing societal and economic needs, an increase of 11 percentage points from last year’s survey. Also in decline was the believed effectiveness of the Chamber’s White Paper meetings with the National Development Council – only five White Paper issues from 2021-22 were resolved.

Overall, Shih said, the BCS results reflect the consensus among member companies that Taiwan is an overwhelmingly positive environment for multinational companies. Additionally, member companies reported that a bilateral trade agreement with the United States would be of benefit to their organization, and are perhaps encouraged by the ongoing U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade talks. As a vital voice for the international business community in Taiwan with a stake in its future prosperity, AmCham is more than willing to aid in fostering and promoting Taiwan’s continued economic growth and deepen its trade relationship with the U.S. We encourage bold action from governments in Taipei and Washington, D.C. to make this a reality.

Answering questions from reporters, Shih noted that AmCham members’ continued investment in Taiwan mirrors record investment figures for 2022 recently released by the Investment Commission. He emphasized that recent heightened geopolitical tensions are not expected to dampen economic prospects, but that companies are being prudent in revising contingency plans.

A luncheon gathering followed the press conference. Following remarks from outgoing AmCham President Andrew Wylegala, Shih again presented the BCS results to an audience of 80 members and their guests. Newly-appointed deputy minister for foreign affairs, Dr. Roy Chun Lee shared some economic outlook predictions with guests, while the event concluded with some questions on the survey results and Dr. Lee’s presentation moderated by AmCham Standing Vice Chairperson Andrea Wu.

The survey report can be viewed and downloaded here.

Spotlight on Resilience #6: Homeland Security Investigations 101

In this Webinar, Brian E. Sherota, Supervisory Special Agent of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI Taipei), will discuss the challenges and opportunities of opening HSI’s newest overseas office, providing AmCham members a rare opportunity to ask questions and know more about HSI’s investigative activities and liaison responsibilities for the public and private sector in Taiwan.

Resources:

HSI 101 – AmCham Spotlight on Resilience Webinar

Spotlight on Resilience #5: Compliance Challenges in China

US and western companies face significant challenges in ensuring that they are compliant with restrictions on doing business with Chinese companies that provide military end-use products/services, employ forced labor, appear on US sanctions lists for other reasons. Uncovering military ties, connections to sanctioned entities, and use of forced labor in supply chains is a daunting, time consuming task and one that requires specialized knowledge. In this Webinar, Thys DeBruyn and his team will discuss these challenges, reveal best practice methodologies, and offer insights on leveraging compliance intelligence in competitive scenarios.

Register here.

Spotlight on Resilience #4: US-China Policies and ICT Supply Chains

The August visit to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the large-scale Chinese naval exercises around the island that followed significantly raised tensions, fueling concern about further coercive moves from Beijing, including possible military action. In our next “Spotlight on Resilience” webinar, Christopher Millward, President and Managing Director of the United States Information Technology Office (USITO), will break down recent developments affecting regional ICT supply chains, analyze China’s evolving stance and policy toolbox, and provide implications on forward planning. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, November 22, from 11am (Taiwan time).

Register here.

Event Recap – U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st- Century Trade in the Global Economic Landscape

On October 21, The Chamber welcomed Minister without Portfolio, Chen-Chun Deng (John) to give his perspective on the “US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade in the Global Economic Landscape.” AmCham Taiwan was honored and excited to receive an update on this pivotal topic directly from Taiwan’s lead trade negotiator, and Minister Deng did not disappoint. This Initiative will have the potential to be developed as the first true Free Trade Agreement between the US and Taiwan during his influential career – a development he’s “been waiting 30 years for.”

After a lovely lunch from our hosts at the Mandarin Oriental, Chairman Vincent Shih welcomed Minister Deng to the stage. He expressed the Chamber’s gratitude for the Minister’s continued support and cooperation in our mutual objectives.

Deng then gave a light-hearted overview of the developing free trade agreement (FTA) from the viewpoint of him and his colleagues. A theme of his address was the importance of the US-Taiwan Initiative for his office. Several factors – such as ineffectual multilateral organizations and integration into the global economy – put a lot of weight into these negotiations.

Another consideration for the ongoing discussion between Deng and his counterparts is, of course, cross-strait relations and US-China tensions. Non-Market Policies and Practices, a phrasing not seen in any other trade agreements, incorporates the U.S. focus on identifying gaps in existing enforcement tools and develop new tools to address such practices, as well as moving away from reliance on State Owned Enterprises. Another difficulty the Minster highlighted was the agriculture sector, which can be a sensitive political issue that requires careful consideration.

 

Minister without Portfolio John Deng answers audience questions on the approaching U.S.-Taiwan trade talks as AmCham Taiwan Standing Vice Chairperson Andrea Wu looks on.

Overall, his words for AmCham members were positive and optimistic. His aim is to treat traders better, by clarifying rules and shortening international trade procedures. He hopes to issue advanced rulings for new products, so that companies will not be delayed at customs waiting for them to be classified. “The business community should be very happy,” Deng said, in a joking manner, “and civil servants should be very worried.” He explained that processes need to be improved and the private sector should be given a role in reforming regulations. “This will be good for the country. We need to be more open and transparent.”

Minister Deng ended his address by thanking AmCham Taiwan and our members for our efforts in moving the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative forward. Through AmCham’s doorknocks in D.C., we were influential in encouraging Congress to lend its support to the FTA. “AmCham has a very strong voice (that) needs to be continued and expanded. Thank you AmCham, for your help.”

If you would like to attend future AmCham events, please register for our newsletter to receive event news, first.

Event Recap – 71st Anniversary Green Happy Hour

On September 29, Amcham Taiwan celebrated its 71st anniversary with an evening “Green Happy Hour” celebration at Taipei 101’s 35th-floor Sky Park. Nearly 100 guests, including familiar faces and new members, joined the event to catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and celebrate AmCham’s more than 70 years of service to the international business community. The event was possible due to the generosity of our sponsors, Taipei 101, Invisalign, SHL Medical, Moet Hennessy, and St. Finesse. 

Chairman Vincent Shih welcomed guests by reflecting on the last year as we all met the challenges of the pandemic. As Taiwan’s borders will open soon, Vincent remarked that while we are excited to travel and meet new friends abroad, there is no place like home. There is no place like Taiwan.  

After Vincent’s remarks, guests were treated to an introduction of Taipei 101’s green credentials by the landmark tower’s Chief Operation Officer Michael Liu, who shared 101’s plans to achieve WELL building standard certification. Taipei 101 is already known for its LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency and environmentally friendly design. 

The theme of this year’s anniversary was sustainability. Guests were encouraged to write down green actions individuals and businesses could take in pursuit of a cleaner and greener future. The event came to an end after Chairman Vincent Shih and Standing Vice Chairperson Andrea Wu selected and awarded six green ideas that highlighted the importance of sustainability development and environmental advocacy. 

Chairman Vincent Shih with winners of the green ideas contest

AmCham members were delighted that it was finally possible for people to meet and gather to celebrate in person after two years of strict COVID-19 restrictions. Guests were served with fine food, free-flow Glenmorangie Original, and Glenmorangie Lasanta whiskeys, Californian red and white wines, all while enjoying magnificent views across Taipei’s skyline right outside the window 

AmCham Taiwan, the leading international business association in Taiwan for more than seven decades, serves the global business community and champions strong U.S.-Taiwan relations. We look forward to continuing this legacy for many years to come. Subscribe to our events newsletter to learn about future events first.

AmChams of Asia Pacific – 2022 Virtual Doorknock US Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade on Protecting Manufacturing and Supply Chains from Forced Labor

This AAP series is designed to give the members of the AmChams of Asia Pacific direct access to the decision and policy makers and thought leaders on what is happening in Washington, DC, as well as to give the members the opportunity to give their first-hand perspective on what is happening in the region.

US Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade on Protecting Manufacturing and Supply Chains from Forced Labor

Tuesday, October 25, 8am – 9am (GMT+8)

Speakers:

Eric Choy, Acting Executive Director Trade Remedy Law Enforcement, Office of Trade at CBP

Annmarie Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade at CBP

John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade at CBP

The session will be moderated by Steven Okun Chair of AAP and Senior Advisor at McLarty Associates.

Registration is free for AmCham Taiwan members. Register here.