The Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the UK hosted a seminar for Taiwanese overseas students on Friday 25th October, 2019, featuring a special presentation by the Taiwan Trade Centre in London. The gathering was attended by the Representative for Taiwan, David Y. L. Lin, and Dr Nicole Yen-Yi Lee, Director of the Education Division.
Mr Thomas Huang, Director of the Taiwan Trade Centre, delivered a presentation upon the planned departure of the UK from the European Union and the potential implications of “Brexit” on Taiwan. The seminar was attended by 22 students in total.
Firstly, Mr Huang discussed the history of the UK’s membership of the European Union, as well as providing a demographic breakdown of the referendum votes. He then explained the problems encountered by the British government over the past three years and compared the possible types of withdrawal agreement.
The presentation particularly focussed upon the economic implications of the referendum result. Mr Huang charted the recent fall in value of the British currency, as well as the challenges to future trade in terms of tariffs, customs checks and procedures surrounding the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The final part of Mr Huang’s presentation analysed the impact “Brexit” could have upon Taiwan. He concluded that Taiwan is unlikely to be directly affected, but could experience an indirect impact if the British economy were to decline significantly. However, Taiwan could also benefit from opportunities presented by “Brexit”, particularly if new trade agreements were sought and import/export duties reduced.
As the UK is experiencing an unprecedented state of political, economic and social unrest, with the effects of leaving either with or without a deal still unclear, this presentation was of great interest to students who are currently residing in the country. The participants were able to gain a greater understanding of the considerations involved in the “Brexit” process, as well as likely outcomes.
Taiwan Representative to the UK, David Y. L. Lin (front row, second left), joins Taiwanese students at a Taiwan Trade Centre seminar in London, hosted by Dr Nicole Yen-Yi Lee, Director of the Education Division (front row, second right).
