One of our main activities is organising and hosting Luncheon Briefings on pertinent topics of EU-Asia relations. Beginning with an informal lunch, the Briefings usually last for 1.5 hours, including questions.

Attendees include EIAS members and other interested parties.

Experts wishing to discuss a possible topic for a Lucheon Briefing are invited to contact EIAS

The Taiwanese Economy and Cross-Strait Business
15 November, 2006 from 13h00 – 14h30

Speakers: Mr Guy Wittich, Chief Executive Officer, European Chamber of Commerce Taipei
Mr Ralf Scheller, Chairman, ECCT & Managing Director, TUV Rheinland Taiwan
Chair: Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Senior Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies

Listen to an interview with the speakers (mp3)

The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Mr Guy Wittich and Mr Ralf Scheller of the European Chamber of Commerce Taipei (ECCT) to its premises for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the Taiwanese economy and cross-Strait business. How will future political developments in Taiwan, both internally and vis-à-vis China, impact the status of the economy? To what extent will this effect European Business in greater China and the East Asian region?

The presentation also included the main findings of an ECCT-CLSA impact study on 11 sectors of the economy in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China in case of full cross-Straits business normalisation.

The European Chamber of Commerce Taipei (ECCT) is the principal organisation in Taiwan representing companies with European business interests. The ECCT provides a bridge between European companies and all levels of government in Taiwan, promoting trade and investment between Taiwan and Europe. Through lobbying government and formulating Position Papers, the ECCT ensures that the European agenda remains on the list of priorities of the ROC government. In addition, the ECCT's close working relationship with the European Commission adds strength to Taiwan's voice in Europe.

The ECCT now counts among its members some 600 individuals and 350 firms from more than 30 countries and 25 industries. Amoungst the objectives of the ECCT are to represent and promote trade and investment amoungst the members of the Chamber; to provide a forum to promote exchange on and the opportunities for trade and investment in the Republic of China; to survey and develop European-Taiwanese trading markets, to collect business information, and to provide consulting services to members of the chamber.

 

Listen to an interview with the speakers (mp3)