We are so pleased to learn that 2018 is the Year of the Dog and its characteristic word is “ACTION”!
We were very sorry to learn about the unfortunate magnitude 6 earthquake centred on Hualien County in beautiful eastern Taiwan on 6th February 2018. Our thoughts and condolences are with those who have suffered!
One of the most effective members of the rescue team that sprung into action was a four-year old Labrador that helped save lives under extreme conditions.
Taiwan’s economy is expected to continue its recovery in 2018, on the back of a pick-up in exports as the global economy improves. However, the upward trend is expected to remain gradual due to an uncertain international and domestic political environment.
Since she took office in May 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen and her administration has given careful attention to domestic issues, including increasing wages, particularly for the young, pension reform and reforming energy policy. In international economic affairs, Tsai’s government wants cooperative relations with China but also diversification, including through its ‘New Southbound Policy’ more emphasis on trade and investment with the countries of south east Asia, the sub-continent and Australia and New Zealand.
Taiwan still hopes to begin negotiations on an ‘economic cooperation arrangement’ (code for an FTA) with Australia. The ATBC continues to work quietly to encourage the two national governments to find a way to have work start on the metrics of an FTA. It’s important to us because several of our members are suffering without one; they are losing out to competitors — particularly in dairy and meat — in New Zealand. That country signed an FTA with Taiwan in 2013. Work to find a way forward will be one of the ATBC’s top priorities in the months ahead.
Sydney — Opening of new Bank of Taiwan branch
The Bank of Taiwan (BoT), Sydney Branch was officially opened on Friday 2nd February 2018 by the Chairman of BoT Mr Joseph Jye-Cherny Lyu. The ceremony was held at the Westin Sydney. BoT is the ninth Taiwanese bank to commence operations in Australia. ATBC Chairman Toigo addressed the Grand Opening. A number of VIPs from government and business were among the more than 120 guests taking part.
Sydney — Franchising Expo
There are 10 top Taiwan companies taking part in the Franchising Expo at ICC Sydney on 17–18 March 2018. Please visit www.franchisingexpo.com.au for further information.
Sydney — ATBC’s 2018 Annual General Meeting
Macquarie Group will host the 2018 ATBC’s Annual General Meeting and AGM Boardroom Luncheon at its Sydney head office on Friday 27th July 2018. Do make a note of the date now and I look forward to seeing everyone at Macquarie Group.
Brisbane — ATBC boardroom luncheon
In Brisbane, an ATBC boardroom luncheon will be held at ClarkeKann Lawyers on Friday 2nd March 2018. The guest of honour and speaker is Ms Virginia Greville, Chief Executive Office, Trade and Investment Queensland. Please contact me ASAP if you are interested to attend it as seats are very limited.
Melbourne — TCCO Annual Meeting
In Melbourne, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Oceania (TCCO) will host the 20th Annual Meeting from 28 to 30 June 2018. The President of TCCO is an ATBC member — Ms Emily Lee.
Canberra — Bilateral economic consultations
In Canberra, Bilateral Economic Consultation (BEC) between Australia and Taiwan government will be held in Canberra around second half of 2018. In due course, I shall be seeking input from members and friends for inclusion in our BEC submission.
TAIWAN
“An Australia Connectivity” — a joint event of ANZ Taiwan and ATBC — will be held in Taipei on Monday, 19th March 2018 in honour of the visit to Taiwan by Mr Shayne Elliott, Chief Executive Officer, ANZ Group. Anyone who will be in Taiwan at that time and who is interested in attending should let me know as soon as possible. There is certain to be strong interest in this event, given the seniority of the guest of honour. I am delighted that ANZ has agreed to jointly hosting the event with us.
The 32nd of Joint Conference of ROC-Australia and Australia-Taiwan Business Councils (ROCABC & ATBC) will be held around late August or early September in Taiwan and it will be back to back with the 23rd Australia-Taiwan Joint Energy and Minerals, Trade and Investment Cooperation Consultations (JEMTIC). The dates & venues to be confirmed.
ROCABC’s new Chairman is also the new Chairman of Taiwan Power, Mr Yang Wei-fuu 楊偉甫. ATBC look forward to working with the CIECA-ROCABC to make the upcoming joint conference a productive and successful one.
WORTH MENTION
Congratulations to our Chairman Emeritus, Ross Maddock, who was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) by the Governor-General on the Australia Day 26th January 2018, in recognition of his outstanding achievements and services to Australia-Taiwan trade and business relations.
Finally, I wish all our members and friends a Happy Lunar Year of the DOG. Woof woof!
PS — Please don’t forget to check out our social media via FB or LinkedIn!
Warm regards,
Ching-Mei Tuan
CEO
12 February 2018