CEPD eyes stronger economic links with Japan

•Publication Date：07/03/2012
•Source： Taiwan Today
•By Rachel Chan

Taiwan and Japan should capitalize on their close economic and industrial links to pursue win-win opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the ROC Council for Economic Planning and Development July 2.

“The respective strengths of both countries in manufacturing and technology are a perfect fit,” CEPD Deputy Minister Wu Ming-ji said.

“Taiwan and Japan must work to create a new business model for integrated supply chains in East Asia and establish a stronger joint presence in emerging markets such as mainland China.”

Wu made the remarks at an interdepartmental meeting reviewing the latest white paper issued by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Taipei. Officials from relevant agencies were joined by Japanese corporate representatives to discuss ways of beefing up economic cooperation.

The deputy minister believes that Taiwan’s robust business environment has helped make it a top choice for Japanese enterprises expanding overseas, with two-way public and private sector exchanges reaching an all-time high.

“This healthy state of affairs is evidence by booming reciprocal investment numbers,” he said. “Last year, Japan invested in a record 400-plus business projects on the island representing 11 percent growth in value, while at the same time, Taiwan’s investment in Japan grew 520 percent.”

As of April, Japan is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment in project numbers and boasts 66 percent growth in value.

“The two countries should catch this investment wave and spare no effort in combining respective strengths spanning the fields of business management, manufacturing, marketing and R&D,” he said.

The deputy minister also pledged that the CEPD would maintain close contact with its Japanese counterpart and review relevant regulations to create a more friendly business environment for Japanese firms.