Dear Members and Friends
It is hard to believe that we are now into the final month of 2020 — a year that has been unlike any other and which has required every membership-based organisation to adapt to new ways of engaging with — and delivering for — our members.
For Australian businesses, who have already suffered over the summer from bushfires, drought and floods, the impact of coronavirus has both immediate and long-term impacts — especially if they are selling to China or relying on China for their supply chain and as well as doing business in Taiwan. ATBC have been continuingly urging Australian government “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” and look at the possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or equivalent with Taiwan to provide Australian exporters a better positioning in terms of trading etc and will continue to do so. Taiwan has been doing rather remarkably well in terms of handling COVID-19 and keeping its economic steady growth during this difficult year. Taiwan has the potential to support Australia’s export diversification and critical supply chain priorities. Australia should support expanding the trading relationship with Taiwan, through FTA or CPTPP involvement.
ATBC has successfully dipped its toe back into the water for few webinars as follows:
2. ATBC AGM 2020 “Economic Outlook” — Friday 7th August 2020
Our guests of honour: Australia and Taiwan government Representatives Mr Gary Cowan and Mr Elliott Charng. Mr Ric Deverell, Macquarie Group’ Chief Economist and Head of Macro Strategy to provide an economic outlook.
25th Taiwan-Australia Joint Energy and Minerals, Trade and Investment Cooperation Consultations (JEMTIC)
It was held virtually on Tuesday 27th October 2020 which Chairman Toigo and I attended it.
Taiwan-Australia Business Networking Meeting / 臺澳企業家交流會
It was held on Tuesday 27th October 2020 at Shangri-la Taipei. The main organiser: Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) and co-organisers: Australian Office Taipei, ANZCham and ATBC which Chairman Toigo addressed virtually before lunch.
The 24th Australia-Taiwan Bilateral Economic Consultations (BEC)
It was held virtually on Wednesday 28th October 2020 and ATBC made the submission to both Australia and Taiwan governments. ATBC 2020 BEC Submission is available upon request.
Double Ten — Receptions in celebration of the 108th National Day of Republic of China (Taiwan) for 10th October 2020 in Sydney and Brisbane
Chairman Toigo attended in Brisbane and Vice Chair Hardy and I attended in Sydney on Thursday 8th October 2020.
WORTH A MENTION
National Committee Members
We would like to welcome Mr Hong Swee Lau, CEO of ANZ Taiwan and Mr Zac Lombardo, Public Policy Navigator to join us at the Committee in 2020.
Australian Office Taipei
Sadly, Mr Gary Cowan, Representative of Australian Office in Taipei is leaving Taiwan soon to return to Canberra for his next position. ATBC are grateful for his guidance and advices during his term in Taiwan and for his contributions in the space of Australia-Taiwan relation. Thank you Gary and you shall be missed!
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia
Mr Frank F.C. Lu, Executive Director, Economic Division of TECO in Australia is leaving Australia to return to Taipei in January 2021. ATBC enjoyed working with him and thanks for his advice and contribution in the past few years. We wish him all the best for the future endearer. Thank you, Frank.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1. 34th Joint Conference of ATBC and ROCABC — More likely will be held in Taipei the second half of 2021 pending on the international travel (TBC).
2. Webinar/Seminar:
1) Supply chain Challenging and opportunities — Thursday 18th March 2021 — a joint event with Austrade Taipei;
2) Opportunities for Australian agribusiness in Taiwan — Tuesday 20th April 2021 from 1–2 pm AEDT — a joint event with Agribusiness Australia;
3) Renewable Energy — May 2021 (TBC).
Farewell 2020! We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2021 and may you and your family have a safe and healthy holiday season.
