WT/TPR/M/302
17 October 2014
(14-5983)  Page: 1/43
Trade Policy Review Body 
16 and 18 September 2014 
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
CHINESE TAIPEI 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mrs Mariam MD Salleh 
CONTENTS 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 2  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRES ENTATIVE OF CHINESE TAIPEI ......................... 4  
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 8  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 10  
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINESE TAIPEI AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 35  
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ......................................................... 42  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Chinese Taipei are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/302/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/englis h/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The third Trade Policy Review of Chinese Taipei was held on 16 and 18 September 2014. The 
Chairperson H.E. Mrs Mariam MD Salleh (Malaysia) welcomed the delegation of Chinese Taipei headed by H.E. Mr. Shih-Chao CHO, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs; the rest of the delegation 
from Taipei; colleagues from the mission in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Mr Remigi Winzap 
(Switzerland). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Tr ade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Chinese Taipei was contained in document 
WT/TPR/G/302 and that of the WT O Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/302. 
1.3.  Chinese Taipei adopted the alternative timeframe for its TPRB meeting. Questions by the 
following delegations had been submitted in writing at least four weeks in advance and had been 
transmitted to the delegation of Chinese Taipei: EU; Australia; United States; Hong Kong, China; 
China; Switzerland; Canada; Paraguay; New Zealand; Chile; Singapore; Argentina; Mexico; Peru; Brazil; and Indonesia. The following delegations submitted written questions after the four-week 
deadline: Philippines; Turkey; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Colombia; Thailand; Malaysia; Republic of 
Korea; El Salvador; and Ecuador. 
1.4.  Chinese Taipei's economic growth depended he avily on the exports of goods and services. 
Thus, the sharp drop in global demand owing to the 2008-09 global economic crisis exposed the 
risks associated with dependence on a relatively  limited range of manufactured exports, prompting 
the authorities to seek new engines of ec onomic growth and diversify the economy. 
1.5.  The broad trade policy objectives of Chinese Ta ipei continued to be focused on its further 
integration into the global economy through its active participation in the WTO and increasingly, 
the negotiation of free trade agreements and ec onomic cooperation agreements. Chinese Taipei 
signed the ECFA with China in 2010, and ECAs with New Zealand and with Singapore in 2013. 
1.6.  Both the Secretariat and the Government reports noted that Chinese Taipei remained a firm 
supporter of the multilateral trading regime, and had continued with the policy of promoting open, 
liberalized trade and investment regimes as a basis for economic growth. The Government had set 
out a programme of economic reforms, including those on its taxation, land regulation, services 
sector, and health system. Important in this regard were also liberalizing cross-Straits economic policies and pursuing structural reforms notably th e Economic Power-Up Plan and the launching of 
the Free Economic Pilot Zone Plan. Many Members ex pressed their interest in learning more about 
these reforms and assessing their implications on trade.  
1.7.  Members expressed their interests in many issues in their advance written questions. For 
example, Members noticed that inward foreign investment was low by regional standards, and 
were interested in knowing whether Chinese Taipei had plans to formulate more policies or 
measures to further boost inward foreign investme nt. Members were keen to know more about the 
Free Economic Pilot Zone programmes, such as incentives given to foreign enterprises located in 
these zones. 
1.8.  Questions were raised on measures that Chinese Taipei intended to take to enhance 
competitiveness of the services sector, in particular those with a trade policy dimension such as facilitating foreign investment and further liberalizing the services sector. Regarding the 
Government’s aim to optimize and restructure manufacturing industries, it had focused, inter alia , 
on developments in ICT, value-added and produc t innovation. Members were also interested in 
measures to incorporate services elements into the manufacturing sector. 
1.9.  Agriculture, although small as a share of GDP,  had attracted wide attention. For instance, a 
number of questions were raised on plans to reduce and simplify agriculture tariffs. 
1.10.  With regard to TBT and SPS, questions were raised on Chinese Taipei's plans to align its 
import conditions with international standards. On  the protection of intellectual property rights, 
Members noted the recent amendments to a number of IP legislation in Chinese Taipei, and asked for further details of the amendments. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  1.11.  Members had raised, and would wish to raise, other issues which, of course, were potential 
subjects for debate in these deliberations. Over all, this Review provided an opportunity to 
exchange views on matters of interest to all Members. 
1.12.  Finally, the Chairperson wished to inform Members that they could access the podcast of 
this meeting on the Members' website after the first day of the meeting. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINESE TAIPEI 
(H.E. MR. SHIH-CHAO CHO) 
Opening 2.1.  On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I would 
like to thank you for participating in our third trade policy review. We place great importance on 
the trade policy review process, which not only re flects WTO’s important transparency principle, 
but also increases our mutual awareness of trade and economic conditions on all sides as well as 
the development of other Members’ trade regulatory  regimes. We think highly of this review and 
appreciate the opportunity. 
2.2.  I will begin with an introduction of our current economic situation and the important trade 
policies which we are promoting to serve our economic development. I will then illustrate our 
progress in participating in regional economic integrations, and the support and effort we have 
been exerting in all multilateral trade system negotiations.  
Gross domestic product an d economic performance 
2.3.  Since the last trade policy review in 2010, we have recovered from the impact of the global 
financial crisis. Through active but not impetuous financial policies, our exports have rebounded, marking real GDP growth at a remarkable 11% in 2010. Despite the subsequent EU debt crisis and 
other factors such as slow recovery in major mark ets, countries continue facing uncertain external 
trade and economic situations. During this time, we have implemented various policies to strengthen our trade and industries in order to ensure continuous economic growth. 
2.4.  Figures show that our efforts have achieved re markable results. According to the forecast, 
our GDP growth rate will reach 2.98% in 2014 - an increase of 0.89% over 2013 - and for 2015, 
the growth rate is expected to be positive. 
Rankings 
2.5.  In addition to the steady growth of real GDP, our efforts in enhancing industrial 
competitiveness and creating a better business environment have won international approval. According to IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, we are ranked 13th in the overall ranking, 
which fully reflects our strong efforts in boosting the economy through deregulation and the 
promotion of employment and price stabilization. Furthermore, according to the Global Competitiveness Index 2013–2014 Country Profile Highlights published by the World Economic 
Forum, the core of our competitiveness remains mainly in business innovation, product market 
efficiency and the excellence of elementary and higher education. 
Domestic trade policies  2.6.  Now, allow me to elaborate on the important policies that my Government has implemented 
for the purpose of raising competitiveness and faci litating the sustainability of economic growth. 
Four transformations of three industries 2.7.  Since 2012, we have been promoting an overall adjustment of industrial structure based on 
the policy of "Four Transformations of Three Indu stries". This industrial structure refinement 
contains a "service-oriented" manufacturing industry, a "high-tech" service industry, an "internationalized" service industry and a "specialty-oriented" traditional industry. 
2.8.  To begin, the "service-oriented" manufacturing industry is aimed at providing a series of 
specialty services that can satisfy customers’ demands. It transforms its importance from the 
making of products to those of service orientation with an ultimate goal to help create brand names. The "high-tech" service industry aims to improve the quality of service by substantially 
applying technologies. It is expected to change the traditional mode of management and mind-set 
so that a high-valued services environment can be developed. "Internationalized" services industry 
aims to make our services industry more internationally visible as well as to accelerate service 
exports. As to "specialty-oriented" traditional industry, because it is a provider of stable WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  employment opportunities, we have aggressively created uniqueness that has market-value for 
this industry. 
Service and finance 2.9.  Apart from industrial adjustment within, we have also focused on financial and its related 
services which, as we all know, play a major role in facilitating industrial development. To date, 
our financial services market has already been progressively liberalized and for the purpose of 
building a sound foundation for joining regional economic integration, we will continue to review 
and evaluate the legislative and administrative systems for the better. 
Other trade policies 2.10.  Good industrial policies come from a good industrial environment. Only in this way can a 
good enterprise and product fully enjoy a competitive edge in the market. For that, we have in 
recent years amended several laws in the field of intellectual property rights and competition, all 
aimed at creating a more conducive environment for businesses to protect their key technologies and enhance competitiveness. 
2.11.  In respect of intellectual property, we amended the Trade Secrets Act in 2013 with the 
introduction of criminal liability for infringement and the increase of penalties for infringing trade secrets abroad. We also removed the criminal liability for rebroadcasting in business premises and 
broadcasting or simultaneous transmission of copyrighted works which were reproduced under 
authorization in an advertisement. Moreover, we  amended the Statute of Copyright Collective 
Management Organization (CMO) Act that introduces a new system for the joint royalty rate and "one-stop shop" to streamline the licensing application and systemize the review process and 
management style. 
2.12.  We amended the Patent Act comprehensively and substantially in 2011, with the revised Act 
entering into force in January 2013. The 2011 revision includes the simplification of the 
mechanism that applies to the patents. More flexibility is introduced in the substantive 
examination procedures. In addition, the scope of protection for design patents is expanded to include partial designs, computer-generated icons, graphical user interfaces (icons and GUIs), and 
the design of product sets. The patent infringement recovery and the grounds for compulsory 
licensing are also being amended. 
2.13.  We have also completed our amendment of Tr ademark Act in 2011, which entered into force 
in 2012. In the amended Trademark Act, the scope of objects protectable as trademarks is 
broadened to include any sign with distinctiveness that can identify the origin of products and 
services. The different types and acts of trademark use are defined clearly and explicitly in order to adapt to the economic development of e-commerc e and internet. Additionally, border protection 
is also reinforced by providing a legal basis for customs authorities to take ex officio actions in 
detaining goods suspected of trademark infringement. Lastly, in order to prevent the infringement of trademark, the right is given to trademark owner to take legitimate actions to protect their 
right. 
2.14.  In order to ensure that our competition policies and regulations are up-to-date and in line 
with market development, the Fair Trade Act was amended in 2011. The revised Fair Trade Act 
introduces a leniency program that addresses difficulties in obtaining substantive evidence in cases 
of joint actions. In addition, the Act increases the maximum amount of penalties imposed on 
abuses of market dominant positions and the joint actions that is inconsistent with the current market situation. Along these policy implementati ons and law reforms, we are confident a much 
friendlier environment for fair trade can be built. 
External trade policies objectives 2.15.  Now, let me brief you on our ongoing efforts in actively participating in trade liberalization 
and our support of developmental issues on multilateral level internationally. 
2.16.  Over the past four years, not only have we actively participated in all routine works of WTO, 
we have also taken part in the on-going Doha Round negotiations. And as one of the main WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  participants of the Bali Package, we are dedica ted to negotiations which would lead to the 
successful conclusion of the Agreement on Trade Fa c i l i t a t i o n  ( T F A ) .  W e  a r e  a l s o  d e t e r m i n e d  t o  
remove the barriers in our domestic systems that could hinder international trade, and to revise related regulations to facilitate the flow of trade. 
2.17.  We continue to put great effort into the negotiations on amending the Agreement on 
Government Procurement (GPA) and expanding the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). We 
are also working on the new negotiations concerning the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) and 
others such as the Agreement on Trade in Environmental Goods and services. We believe that the 
plurilateral liberalization process and multilateral system will complement each other. It will not only bring more trade opportunities, but also take into account environment protection and other important development issues on a global level. 
2.18.  In terms of aid-for-trade initiatives, we have endeavoured to provide financial assistance to 
least developed countries to help their economic development, particularly to Latin-American Members. Moreover, we have granted zero-tariff treatment to products from LDCs' origin. Under 
this preferential treatment scheme, nearly 98% of the total export value of goods from LDCs 
enjoys zero-tariff treatment. 
2.19.  A s  a  m e m b e r  o f  A P E C ,  w e  h a v e  a c t i v e l y  a t t e n d e d  A P E C ’ s  e v e n t s  a n d  p a r t i c i p a t e d  i n  t h e  
formation of initiatives. For example, in recent years, through the APEC Digital Opportunity Center 
(ADOC) project initiated by us, we have established 101 ADOC centers in 10 participating economies with an aim to reduce digital divide. In addition, we have engaged in the compilation 
and discussion of the 54 environmental items listed by APEC. With this as a base, we will explore 
the possibility of expanding the coverage of  liberalization to environmental goods.  
Regional economic integrations 2.20.  During this review, we have concluded several economic cooperation agreements and free 
trade agreements with our major economic partners. We hope that thereafter, trade barriers will 
gradually be removed through regional integration, and the goal of trade liberation will be achieved. 
2.21.  The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) entering into force on 
12 September 2010 is the first bi-lateral free trad e agreement we have concluded with China. 
ECFA includes built-in mandates for follow-up negotiations on agreements on Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment Protection and Pr omotion, and Dispute Settlement. Among all, the 
Cross-Strait Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement entered into force in 
February 2013. The Trade in Services Agreement was signed in June 2013 and is currently being rectified by the legislative body.  
2.22.  We also concluded The Economic Cooperation Agreement with New Ze aland (ANZTEC) that 
came into effect on 1 December 2013. ANZTEC co vers market access, regulatory harmonization, 
cooperation activities, institutional provisions and dispute settlement. Under the Agreement, we 
committed to removing tariffs on 99.88% of goods, while New Zealand committed to eliminate 
tariffs on all goods originating from us. 
2.23.  We signed an Economic Partnership Agreement with Singapore (ASTEP) that entered into 
force on 19 April 2014. The agreement covers trade in goods, trade in services, investment, 
dispute settlement, e-commerce, government procurement and customs procedures. The tariff 
reduction committed by us reaches 99.48% of the tariff lines, while Singapore reached 100%. 
2.24.  Covering wide range of trade issues and of hi gh-level of liberalization, both ANZTEC and 
ASTEP are high-quality and comprehensive trade agreements. They demonstrate our 
determination and willingness to promote further liberalization of trade. 
2.25.  Apart from bilateral free trade agreements, we will be actively seeking opportunities for 
future participation in major regional economic integration initiatives, such as the two large-scale 
regional trade liberalization schemes: TPP and RCEP. We believe regional trade agreements can help enhance the multilateral trade system and eventually facilitate the upgrade of domestic 
industrial structure and improve competitiveness. As such, we have regularly reviewed trade WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  policies and promoted the improvement of related systems, which include but are not limited to 
further relax monitoring mechanism, raise the transparency of laws so as to well-prepared ourselves in joining the regional economic integration and others alike.  
2.26.  One of our efforts in pursuing a more liberali zed trade system is the establishment of the 
"Free Economic Pilot Zones" (FEPZs) initiated in 2013. FEPZs contains substantial deregulation of 
market access and other trade-related regulations in certain designated zones, along with promoting high-end services such as smart logistics and international health care. Deregulation in 
FEPZs in the initial phase includes the relaxation of limitations on foreign professionals for 
temporary stay, the easing of customs regulations on outsourcing activities by companies located inside the FEPZs to partners outside the FEPZs, an d greater flexibility of land use within FEPZs.  
2.27.  We believe, as a result of works mentioned ab ove, that we can create a more liberalized 
trade system and weave well into the international trade community. All these will better prepare 
us in the participation of TPP, RCEP and other regional integrations in a positive way. 
Future prospect 
2.28.  Despite the fact that the Doha negotiations still face many challenges ahead, we understand 
the crucial value of trade liberalization to the development of world economy, and the importance 
of the effective function of the multilateral trading system. We will continue providing our full 
support. Looking beyond Bali, we stand ready to cooperate with our fellow Members and are 
prepared to engage in meaningful work dedicate d to achieve a successful and balanced conclusion 
for the Doha Round. We will also continue to expand our participation in ITA2, TISA and negotiations on liberalization of environmental goods. We believe negotiations of the issues raised 
above will add value and functionality to the wo rld trade system and can also provide dynamics 
leading to the conclusion of Doha Round negotiation.  
2.29.  On the other hand, we are of the view that regional trade integration has a positive impact 
on the multilateral trading system under WTO. We will thus continue participating in regional 
economic integrations, especially in major region-wide liberalization initiatives such as TPP and RCEP. We firmly believe that the parallel development of regional trade agreements will contribute 
to achieve the goal of trade liberalization. 
2.30.  Finally, we will review our domestic trade an d investment system regularly, while carrying 
out the reforms of reducing and streamlining the regulatory regime. We believe that by doing so, 
we will not only improve the level of our econ omy performance, but also help build a more 
liberalized global trade environment. 
Concluding remarks 2.31.  In closing, let me once again thank you, our fellow Members, for participating in our trade 
policy review. We very much look forward to the exchange of views, part icularly your feedback. 
Through our ongoing dialogue, I believe we will foster a stronger mutual understanding and together build a healthier and more liberalized global economic environment. Thank you all again 
and our best wishes of great success and fruitful result to this review meeting. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  I want to begin by joining you, Madam Chair, in welcoming the delegation from Chinese 
Taipei, headed by Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Mr Shih-Chao CHO. I would also like to thank Chinese Taipei and the Secretariat team for their high quality reports. They form a good factual 
basis for our discussions today and on Thursday. 
3.2.  It is a great pleasure to serve as discussant at the third Trade Policy Review of Chinese 
Taipei. Chinese Taipei became a Member of the WTO 12 years ago and is one of the world's most 
important economic and trading entities.  
3.3.  I hope that this TPR will provide a fruitful discussion where we can learn from Chinese 
Taipei's successes and where we can contribute to the further development of Chinese Taipei's trade policy through other WTO Members' thoughts and inputs. 
3.4.  I would like to take advantage of my role as discussant to start with some very subjective 
impressions on Chinese Taipei's trade policy over the last four years which I have gathered from the reports submitted. I would appreciate it if my impressions would be commented upon and 
possibly also challenged. Then, I will take a look forward and sketch where I see some challenges 
ahead for Chinese Taipei's trade policy. I will then leave it to Chinese Taipei and to the floor to use this TPR to discuss how Chinese Taipei could possibly meet those challenges. 
3.5.  Let me start with some impressions. Looking fr om afar, I get the impression that over the 
last four years, Chinese Taipei enjoyed a stable economic development in a rather stable regulatory trade environment. Continuity seems to be the right adjective to describe the last four years. 
3.6.  When taking a closer look, I recognize several reforms and initiatives which have been 
undertaken by Chinese Taipei in the last four years. In particular, I would like to mention the landmark agreements which constitute the Econom ic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) of 
2010 and the Cross-Strait Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement of 2012 with 
the People's Republic of China. 
3.7.  These agreements are the culmination, at pres ent, of a cross-strait economic and trade 
development which has grown exponentially since the beginning of the 1990's and which started to 
be institutionalized since 2008. 
3.8.  The ECFA was concluded in 2010 - around the same  date as the last TPR of Chinese Taipei. 
The conclusion of the ECFA was then considered to  have the potential to profoundly transform the 
cross-straits relations and the region's trade and investment flows. It would be interesting to hear 
from Chinese Taipei to what extent the expectations of the Government have been met so far and if there are challenges in respect of the implementation of the ECFA which had not been 
anticipated. 
3.9.  In parallel to the cross-strait relationship, Chinese Taipei has been very active on the 
multilateral level in the WTO and has concluded Free Trade Agreements with New Zealand and 
Singapore. It has also complemented its international activities with several other policy reforms 
and initiatives at home, like the Economic Powe r-Up Plan of 2012, the launching of the Free 
Economic Pilot Zone Plan, reform of the Foreign Trade Act, the Customs Act and reforms in the area of the IPR-related legislation. All these initiatives have just been highlighted by the Head of 
Delegation of Chinese Taipei.  
3.10.  Chinese Taipei has undertaken many efforts to  strengthen its economic position and we 
should in my view commend Chinese Taipei for these efforts. However, we should also ask us, if 
these endeavours where successful and sufficient? Not being an expert on Chinese Taipei, I would 
not dare to make any judgement. It would, however, be interesting to get an evaluation from the delegation of Chinese Taipei on what worked, wher e the jury is still out and where it sees a need 
to complement its action.  
3.11.  As an observer, I note that many features of Chinese Taipei's economy are not very 
different today compared to four years ago. The structure of the economy of Chinese Taipei is WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  virtually unchanged since the previous Review. Agriculture accounts for 1.7% of GDP, the 
manufacturing sector for 24.9% of GDP and services accounts for 68.3%. Many challenges to economic efficiency, international competitiveness and high costs for Chinese Taipei's consumers mentioned at the last TPR remain quite the same today. I refer, for instance, to the high direct 
government involvement in the economy, the continuing protection of agriculture and the granting 
of various forms of assistance, including subsidies for agricultural, fisheries, and industrial activities. It would be interesting to know what the main obstacles to domestic reforms are, which 
the Government of Chinese Taipei is facing. 
3.12.  This said, Chinese Taipei is a successful economy and, in my view, in a good position to face 
challenges ahead if it maintains the current policy environment and if it gives itself space on the fiscal policy side. By advanced-economy standards, Chinese Taipei's tax revenue base is at a very 
low level.  
3.13.  Looking ahead, I would like to spotlight four issue-areas in particular: 1) reducing the 
vulnerability to external demand volatility; 2) dive rsification of the economy; 3) the need to attract 
more Foreign Direct Investment; and 4) ensuring the availability of a well trained workforce also in 
the future.  
3.14.  Chinese Taipei's is highly vulnerable to shocks to external demand. It depends on exports of 
goods and services, which are equivalent to some 73% of GDP. Around 27% of its exports go to 
one economic partner alone (the People’s Republic of China). 
3.15.  Besides export-oriented measures, Chinese Taipei should, therefore, also try to strengthen 
its domestic demand. 
3.16.  It should certainly continue its efforts in working towards market-opening in the WTO-
context. As we know in this house, this remains extremely difficult. By this token, I would like to pay tribute to the very constructive and engaged role Chinese Taipei is playing in the WTO, be it in 
the Doha negotiations, the negotiations and th e implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement or in other negotiations such as the revision of the GPA. 
3.17.  Furthermore, Chinese Taipei should - in additi on to developing the cross-strait economic 
relations - continue to expand its network of bi-and plurilateral agreements with other WTO 
Members. In this context, we commend also Chinese Taipei's participation in in the TISA services negotiation as well as the efforts deployed by Chinese Taipei to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). 
3.18.  An issue which has been highlighted at the last Review already but remains of concern 
despite several measures taken by Chinese Taipei, is the strong dependence on ICT with - according to the Secretariat report - rather low value-added and apparently limited product 
innovation. It is suggested that Chinese Taipei should possibly overhaul its traditional dependence 
on contract electronics production and move into  higher value-added manufacturing and services 
sectors. 
3.19.  Chinese Taipei has a need to continue its efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment. 
Chinese Taipei has struggled to increase FDI inflows in recent years. This is, in part a reflection of the difficult global environment but also the dec lining price competitiveness of the manufacturing 
sector, the high government involvement in the economy and possibly a failure to address 
regulatory concerns of foreign investors in matters such as land purchasing and services sector 
access. 
3.20.  Today, Chinese Taipei boasts a well-educated workforce and a stable labour market. 
However, Chinese Taipei may in the medium-term face challenges on the labour market. The likely 
fall in the island's working population from 2016 onwards may increase pressure on the authorities to reconsider restrictions on the employment of foreign workers. 
3.21.  In conclusion, Chinese Taipei is doing quite well, it is evolving, but what may be missing, is 
to see it progress in a substantial way. Challenges observed at the last Review four years ago, often remain challenges yet to be tackled. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
EUROPEAN  UNION 
4.1.  As acknowledged by the Secretariat report, Ch inese Taipei is one of the world's most 
important economic and trading entities. Its economic growth is heavily dependent on exports of 
goods and services, which are equivalent to some 73% of GDP.  
4.2.  Acknowledging the importance of trade for its economy, during the years under review, 
Chinese Taipei has continued further its progress towards free market, free trade and 
diversification of its economy. Certainly there is still room for improvement but the EU 
acknowledges the efforts of Chinese Taipei to  implement a programme of economic reforms 
focussing on the conclusion of new free-trade ag reements, including participation in regional 
initiatives, and putting in place measures aimed at improving international competitiveness of its 
products and business environment for operators, also attracting more foreign investment. We 
encourage Chinese Taipei to continue opening up its economy, in particular its services sector and remove trade barriers still in place. More integration in the multilateral trading system can only be 
good for Chinese Taipei and for the other WTO Members.  
4.3.  The EU agrees with Chinese Taipei that strength ening the rules of the multilateral system is 
important in improving the interaction among Members, as well as in establishing stable regional 
or bilateral trading relations that can ease the expansion of trade and investment flows. Chinese 
Taipei, in its Government report, declared to welcome the conclusion of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and to be committed to implement the agreement faithfully . The EU welcomes the 
notification of Chinese Taipei to the WTO with all commitments in Category A. I take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to the overall role of Chinese Taipei in the WTO. 
4.4.  A word, on the EU’s bilateral relationship with Chinese Taipei. The European Union continues 
to be one of Chinese Taipei's main trading partners. In 2013, bilateral trade in goods was 
€38.6 billion, trade in services has reached €7.95 billion, and shows further potential for increase. 
EU companies remain the biggest foreign investors and have a major stake in the economic development of Chinese Taipei. 
4.5.  Overall relations between the EU and Chinese Ta ipei are positive. The EU has developed lively 
cooperation with Chinese Taipei in a wide rang e of fields going beyond and in many ways 
complementing our trade and investment relations, for example in science and technology, higher education, people to people exchanges and regulatory cooperation.  
4.6.  Despite these positive aspects, the EU has a number of questions and concerns as regards 
Chinese Taipei trade and investment policy making. These cover a certain number of areas of Chinese Taipei’s economy and the issues we raised  are considered and confirmed by EU operators 
as obstacles to trade, often relating to Chinese Taipei’s regulatory regime.  
4.7.  I would like to highlight here the specific case of agricultural products, a recurring issue 
where we regret to reiterate concerns raised during  Chinese Taipei's last TPR. Chinese Taipei is a 
major importer of food products yet EU exporters continue to face unreasonable delays in 
approval; decisions with an impact on trade flows are taken too often without prior consultation of third partners nor sometimes sufficient science-based arguments and outside the scope of existing international standards; companies are named publicly without evidence of wrong-doing.  
4.8.  For instance, the EU is worried by the fact that  Chinese Taipei does not recognize the list of 
safely traded products as laid down by the World Organization for Animal health (OIE) and does not respect the BSE- risk categorisation for countries as carried out by the OIE as this translates in 
lengthy and non-transparent risk assessment process which can take several years. Furthermore, 
with reference to Chinese Taipei's animal health  policy, the EU is concerned about the Chinese 
Taipei's interpretation of defining a disease free status, especially while reviewing the applications, 
and not fully taking into account the possibilities for regionalisation.  
4.9.  The EU urges Chinese Taipei to address WTO Members' concerns and to substantially step up 
its efforts by improving its alignment with international standards, as well as to simplify certification and testing requirements and streamline conformity assessment procedures. These WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  steps would not only remove current obstacles for international trade but also further integrate 
Chinese Taipei into the multilateral trading system and increase its commercial links with WTO Members.  
4.10.  In conclusion, let me reiterate that the EU acknowledges Chinese Taipei for the progress it 
has made since the last review and is confident that the current exercise will help Chinese Taipei in 
further reviewing its policies so as to ensure that they are most favourable for attaining its economic objectives while respecting their international commitments in this forum. 
AUSTRALIA 
4.11.  Chinese Taipei is an important economic partner for Australia. Chinese Taipei was Australia's 
seventh-largest merchandise export market in 2013, largely due to Chinese Taipei's substantial import of Australian minerals and energy resources, which help sustain Chinese Taipei's industries. 
In return, Chinese Taipei exported nearly US$4 billion worth of merchandise to Australia in 2013, 
including high-tech products such as telecommunications equipment and computers. Two-way merchandise trade has shown consistent long term growth, averaging 7.5% over the past ten 
years. Two-way services trade is substantial, worth over US$1 billion in 2013. Tourism and 
education-related travel, which make up the bulk of our services trade, continue to build people-to-people links, and a pleasing, emerging tr end is the remarkable popularity of Australia's 
working holiday programme among young travellers from Chinese Taipei. 
4.12.  The investment relationship between Australia and Chinese Taipei has historically lagged 
behind the strong trade relationship, but is beginning to see signs of sustained growth. The Australian Government prioritize the creation of a stable and open environment for inward foreign 
investment, and we urge Chinese Taipei to continue to make reforms that will encourage 
investment and grow the regional economy. 
4.13.  Chinese Taipei has declared a policy direction of trade and investment liberalization, 
including the creation of the conditions to allow it to join regional trade agreements such as the 
Trans-Pacific Partnership. Australia applauds Chinese Taipei's resolve to tackle domestic reform, which can be difficult for domestic constituencies to accept. However, we urge Chinese Taipei to 
look outside the frame of bilateral or plurilateral negotiations and to consider more fully the 
benefits of unilateral liberalization. Australia's own experience with unilateral trade liberalization has helped transform our economy from a small domestic market protected by high tariff walls into an open, competitive economy supplying world markets. 
4.14.  Chinese Taipei is experimenting with unilateral  liberalization by establishing Free Economic 
Pilot Zones. While this might help attract some limited investment into the zones themselves, we encourage Chinese Taipei to look at economy-wide reforms, which will have the most impact. 
4.15.  In particular, we urge Chinese Taipei to seriou sly consider reducing subsidies and support to 
uncompetitive agricultural enterprises. Protective measures such as these are not free of cost, and place an unnecessary burden on other, more e fficient sectors of the economy. Agricultural 
production in Chinese Taipei has shrunk to less than 2% of GDP in spite of substantial government 
support measures. The report by the Secretariat no tes that there has been no significant change 
to the legislative and institutional framework in the agricultural sector, and the tariff schedule has barely changed since the last Review in 2010. This  is disappointing given Chinese Taipei's stated 
policy goal of pursuing liberalization. 
4.16.  We welcome Chinese Taipei's participation in and commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and delivering concrete outcomes by MC10. Chinese Taipei stands to benefit from further 
multilateral liberalization through the WTO. Australia works closely with Chinese Taipei helping to 
nurture a vibrant and healthy WTO system. We look forward to continuing to work with Chinese Taipei and other WTO Members to capture the benefits of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation. 
4.17.  Australia welcomes Chinese Taipei's positive engagement in the Trade in Services 
Agreement negotiations. Australia is hopeful that these negotiations will provide a mechanism for Chinese Taipei to extend improved trade commitments to more WTO Members and encourage further liberalization. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  UNITED  STATES 
4.18.  The current Trade Policy Review of Chinese Taipei by WTO Members fittingly coincides with 
the undertaking of a domestic trade policy review  conducted by Chinese Taipei authorities. On 
1 January 2014, President Ma Ying-Jeou addressed his people to explain the vital importance that 
trade plays in the Chinese Taipei economy. And as the Secretariat notes in its report, Chinese 
Taipei places a great value on trade as 73% of its GDP comes from exports. This year, Chinese Taipei has continued to play an active role in WTO multilateral and plurilateral trade negotiations, 
explored potential engagement in new bilateral and regional trade liberalization initiatives, and 
begun to proactively take action designed to bring Chinese Taipei’s trade policies in line with its goals.   
4.19.  The United States and Chinese Taipei continue to have strong and diverse trade and 
investment ties. Chinese Taipei is currently the United States’ 12th largest goods trading partner 
with US$63 billion in total two-way trade. U.S.-Chi nese Taipei services trade remains strong, with 
a total of US$19 billion in two-way trade in 2012. Im portant U.S. exports to Chinese Taipei include 
machinery, electrical machinery, and aircraft. Chinese Taipei also is an important agricultural 
market for U.S. farmers, who exported US$3.1 billion in 2013, making Chinese Taipei the United States’ 7th largest agricultural export market. 
4.20.  Chinese Taipei has been an active and positive partner in multilateral and plurilateral trade 
liberalization initiatives. Since 2010, Chinese Taipei has positively participated in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and has implemented its commitments under the revised GPA. Chinese Taipei was also an active and constructive voice in WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement negotiations, and continues to participate actively in ongoing negotiations including the 
Information Technology Agreement and Trade in Services Agreement. And at APEC, Chinese Taipei joined the United States and 13 other economies to support the negotiations on an Environmental 
Goods Agreement.   
4.21.  The United States commends Chinese Taipei on strong efforts it has made over the past four 
years to liberalize its trade and investment regime and further integrate with the global economy. 
For instance, beginning in 2013, Chinese Taipei has implemented important legal reforms to 
improve its trade secrets enforcement regime. Proposed amendments intended to reduce regulatory reviews and to increase transparency in the process for reviewing foreign investment 
into Chinese Taipei are currently pending legislative review. Chinese Taipei’s Financial Services 
Commission has played an important role in welcoming foreign investment by lifting data 
localization requirements for financial institutions  such as banks. Chinese Taipei also implemented 
regulatory changes in 2014 that brought its technical standards into compliance with international 
norms in certain industries. 
4.22.  While Chinese Taipei has reason to be pleased with the results of its efforts to date, the 
United States would like to highlight several areas that we believe need greater attention. 
Although it established a maximum residue level (MRL) for ractopamine in beef muscle cuts in 
2012, Chinese Taipei has not set an MRL for ractopamine in pork and other beef products despite the Codex Alimentarius (Codex) adoption of MRLs for ractopamine in these products. Further, Chinese Taipei maintains unpredictable policies that impede the importation of rice, organic 
products, and other products.   
4.23.  In other areas, the United States observes a need for more continued progress by Chinese 
Taipei in improving the transparency and predictability of the investment review process. On 
intellectual property rights protection and enforc ement, the United States urges Chinese Taipei to 
devote more resources and create new incentives for enforcement authorities to investigate intellectual property crimes and develop new tools to deal with infringement made possible by new 
technologies and taking place on or near university campuses. Pharmaceutical and medical device 
manufacturers continue to face challenges, includ ing delays in introducing new products to the 
market, non-transparent pricing and reimbursement policies, and weaker IP protection than in comparable markets. As Chinese Taipei revises sectoral laws and regulations, industries regularly 
find Chinese Taipei’s regulations to be more onerous than other economies, which can prevent or 
delay products from being introduced to consumers. The United States encourages Chinese Taipei to more thoroughly examine international standards and avoid creating technical barriers to trade 
that discourage imports and investment. We also  encourage Chinese Taipei to notify under 
Article XXIV its Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement with China.   WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.24.  The United States is heartened by statements ma de this year by Chinese Taipei’s leadership 
to encourage Chinese Taipei to proactively liberalize its trade and investment regime. For Chinese Taipei to meet its ambitious trade and investment goals these statements must be backed up with 
swift and concrete action. The United States welcomes the early fruits of these efforts and will 
continue to engage with Chinese Taipei across the many forums and initiatives that we have 
established in order to further break down trade barriers and strengthen our economic ties.   
HONG
 KONG,  CHINA 
4.25.  During the review period, Chinese Taipei has continued to pursue economic reforms to 
strengthen its competitiveness and increase trade and investment. It remains one of the world’s most important trading economies, ranking 14th in the latest Global Competitiveness Index published by the World Economic Forum and 16t h out of 183 economies in the World Banks’s 
“Ease of Doing Business” Survey this year. 
4.26.  Chinese Taipei is a valuable trading partner of Hong Kong, China (HKC). Our bilateral 
merchandise trade grew steadily, at an average annual growth rate of 10% from 2009 to 2013. 
Last year, we were each other’s 4th largest trading partner in goods, with total trade value 
exceeding US$43 billion. On trade in services, Chinese Taipei was our 5th largest trading partner in 2012, with particularly strong performance in sectors such as travel, transportation and other 
business services.   
4.27.  As neighbours, we have developed very cl ose trade and economic ties. One important 
reason is that, both of us being staunch supporters of the multilateral trading system, we share the same vision on open market and free trade. In  our respective areas of strengths, we play key 
roles in the global and regional value chains. We  hope Chinese Taipei and HKC can make good use 
of our comparative advantages, complement each other and, through closer cooperation, work 
together for greater regional economic integration.   
4.28.  We understand that investment promotion, alongside trade expansion, is a major economic 
development goal of Chinese Taipei. We appreciate the authorities’ initiatives to create a friendly investment environment for foreign investors, su ch as launching the “Free Economic Pilot Zone 
(FEPZ) Plan” and establishing the “InvesTaiwan Service Center”. We look forward to further 
liberalization of Chinese Taipei’s foreign investment regime, in particular the second phase of the FEPZ project which aims at promoting freer movement of personnel, goods and capital. 
4.29.  Given the importance of services to Chinese Taipei in both GDP and employment terms, 
continued liberalization of trade in services would be beneficial to its economic growth and 
sustainable development. We note that Chinese Ta ipei has done so, both in the FEPZs and through 
economic cooperation agreements with other econ omies. It has also developed certain services 
sectors, such as financial services, telecommunication, tourism and road transport services. We 
encourage Chinese Taipei to go further, for instance, by relaxing market-access conditions. 
4.30.  Earlier this year, HKC joined Chinese Taipei and 12 other WTO Members to initiate a 
plurilateral agreement for the liberalization of trade in environmental goods. Negotiation was 
formally launched on 8 July. We believe that the Agreement will contribute to the multilateral trading system and provide impetus to the Doha  Development Agenda negotiations. We look 
forward to working closely with Chinese Taipei and other participants towards the timely and 
successful conclusion of this Agreement. 
4.31.  Like Chinese Taipei, HKC urges for timely implementation of the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation. We commend Chinese Taipei’s recent efforts in putting in place many of the measures 
envisaged in that Agreement, such as signing au thorised economic operator mutual recognition 
agreements with trading partners and implementing a Single Window system to accelerate customs clearance. We are also pleased to note that Chinese Taipei has scheduled all the 
provisions in Section I of the Agreement as Category A commitments. 
4.32.  Regarding tariffs, we appreciate that two amendments to the schedule in 2010 and 2012 
had reduced tariff on certain products, but the tariff structure remains rather complex, with multiple and non- ad valorem  rates. We encourage Chinese Taipei to simplify its tariff structure to 
bring more predictability to the trade. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.33.  In addition, we note that the tariff regime for agriculture was not as liberal as that for other 
sectors. The average applied rate remained at 22.1%, which was a lot higher than the 5% for 
non-agricultural products. Besides, despite its minor role in the economy, agriculture continued to be a major recipient of government assistance including domestic support and border protection. 
The continued use of TRQs also impeded trade: ce rtain out-of-quota rates were so high that out-
of-quota imports were almost prohibitive. We encourage Chinese Taipei to further liberalize agricultural trade, so as to bring greater benefits to traders and consumers alike. 
4.34.  Finally, I would like to commend the contributions made by Permanent Representative 
Ms Lai to the work of the WTO, especially in her role as the coordinator of the Group of Recently 
Acceded Members. We also thank the delegation for using the more interactive alternative timelines, and for the prompt replies it provided to our questions.  
CHINA 
4.35.  As one of the most vibrant and competitive global economies, Chinese Taipei has achieved 
smooth and steady economic growth since its last review. Its international competitive advantages 
in services and manufacturing industries, information technology and tourism are extensively 
recognized as important factors in driving that growth. We are also happy to see Chinese Taipei 
has taken full advantages of the growth of the Mainland China's vast market to leverage itself 
against post crisis shocks. Having said that, we note that Chinese Taipei also faces a high risk of 
economic fluctuation in its export-oriented economy.  In addressing this challenge, Chinese Taipei 
is pursuing structural reforms and seeking new en gines of economic growth in a bid to achieve a 
more diversified and resilient economy. Chinese Taip ei is also promoting the Plan of Free Economic 
Pilot Zone to further open up its market and selects key service industries including tourism as the 
major engines to drive its economic development. We hope that the achievements of these reform 
measures and policies could harvest soon. 
4.36.  Mainland China and Chinese Taipei have seen ever closer economic and trade interchanges 
since the previous review. According to our stat istics, trade volume across the Strait increased 
from US$145.37 billion in 2010 to US$197.28 billion in 2013, with an annual growth rate of over 
10%. Currently, Chinese Taipei is our seventh biggest trading partner, and we are the biggest 
source of trade surplus of Chinese Taipei. To date, investors from Chinese Taipei have accumulatively invested over US$110 billion in mo re than 90,000 projects, ranking the second in 
terms of total overseas investment in Mainland China. Meanwhile, more than 530 enterprises from 
Mainland China have invested over US$1 billion in Chinese Taipei. 
4.37.  Moreover, the consensus to further economic integration across the strait has created great 
opportunities for Chinese Taipei to upgrade its economy. Enterprises from both sides have fully 
enjoyed dividends of the early harvest progra mmes of the Economic Cooperation Framework 
Agreement (ECFA) signed in June 2010. With respect to trade in goods, the value of commodities benefiting from the ECFA has reached US$34.7 bi llion, and in services, more than 420 service 
enterprises and projects are covered by this initiative so far. In 2013, Mainland China and Chinese 
Taipei completed the negotiation and signed fo llow-up agreements of the ECFA including the 
Cross-Strait Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement and the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services. These agreements, if implemen ted smoothly, will promote economic integration 
and deliver win-win results for both sides. As stated in the Secretariat Report, the ECFA would 
boost services-sector by increasing tourism from Mainland China and support employment, thus promoting household consumption to continue as the main growth driver. 
4.38.  Nevertheless, we are concerned with the imbalance of trade and investment across the 
Strait. The trade deficit of Mainland China with Chinese Taipei has reached US$116 billion in 2013 and a huge gap also exists in investment. One im portant reason behind su ch imbalance is that 
Chinese Taipei has not treated Mainland China as equally as other WTO Members. Its market is 
much less opened to investors from Mainland China. Discriminatory measures still remain in trade and investment towards Mainland China's exporter s and investors. For example, in the field of 
trade, the Secretariat Report states that "As of 10 April 2014, 2,186 products from Mainland China 
at HS 10-digit level were prohibited from importation into Chinese Taipei", that includes more than 
1,200 industrial products and over 900 agricultural  products. With regard to investment, only 51% 
of service projects and 51% of public construc tion projects were opened to investors from 
mainland China. Restrictive measures include high threshold for market access, cumbersome 
approval formalities and so-called security review  are still imposed in many areas. These factors WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  have impeded the potential development of cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation and 
would harm the economic development of Chinese Taipei itself. 
4.39.  In this regard, we urge Chinese Taipei to honour its WTO commitment in an all-round way, 
rectify its trade policies and practices inconsistent with the WTO rules, including removing 
discriminatory measures targeted at Mainland China. 
SWITZERLAND 4.40.  As already noted in preceding statements, factors such as weaker demand in main export 
markets, increased competition in key industries, pressure on production costs and demographic 
shifts provide for a challenging environment for Chinese Taipei's industries and policy makers. While acknowledging the important efforts already undertaken to address these evolving challenges, we are keen to learn more about th e effects of measures already taken and further 
steps envisaged by Chinese Taipei.  
4.41.  Bilaterally, I am pleased to say that Switzerland’s trade and investment relations with 
Chinese Taipei have remained sound and stable. While merchandise trade saw a certain slowdown 
last year, overall trade flows have increased significantly since the last TPR. At the same time, and 
as a sign of confidence in Chinese Taipei's economy, Swiss companies have continued to invest considerably in the Territory.  
4.42.  In view of the TPR today, Switzerland has subm itted several questions in writing. We would 
like to thank the Delegation of Chinese Taipei for the answers provided and will further examine 
these with great interest.  
4.43.  As regards our question on Free Economic Pilot Zones, we would appreciate further specific 
information concerning added flexibilities for employment and for capital flows benefitting 
companies operating in such zones.  
4.44.  With respect to our question on the settlement of foreign investment disputes, we would like 
to invite Chinese Taipei to provide additional information on the interplay between domestic law 
and international arbitration procedures in cases of disputes under bilateral trade and investment treaties.  
4.45.  In conclusion, Switzerland would like to hi ghlight and commend the important and very 
constructive role of Chinese Taipei in the WTO and convey our best wishes for a successful Trade Policy Review. 
CANADA 
4.46.  Canada highly values the constructive engagement of Chinese Taipei, both at the WTO and 
beyond. Our interactions in Geneva are op en and honest, and above all pragmatic and 
constructive. Chinese Taipei has proven to be a reliable partner in the ongoing work and 
multilateral negotiations of the WTO, including our work together as "Friends of the System". 
Further, Canada recognizes Chinese Taipei's constructive contributions to plurilateral initiatives including ITA expansion, the Environmental Go ods Agreement negotiations, the Government 
Procurement Agreement, and the TISA. Beyond Geneva, we enjoy a close working relationship in 
forums such as APEC, and I am told the same holds in capitals where our officials share similar working relationships. 
4.47.  My observations regarding Chinese Taipei's recent accomplishments and challenges focus on 
two themes: integration into regional and global value chains, and economic liberalization 
consistent with international norms. 
4.48.  Chinese Taipei's success in high technology value chains is well known, and stands as an 
excellent example of building economic progress th rough integration into regional and global value 
chains. However, its future success hinges on its ability to both liberalize and globalize in order to keep pace with the reality of broader regional economic integration. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.49.  Its position within the growing Asian region provides immense opportunities for continued 
growth. Growth in Asia is projected to edge up to 5.1% in 2014 and external demand will likely 
continue to present opportunities. Growth in Chinese Taipei is projected to be more modest, with the IMF expecting growth of 3.1% in 2014. Chinese Ta ipei will thus have to work hard to engage a 
broad range of partners to capitalize on the benefits of regional and global economic integration. 
4.50.  The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signed with China in 2010 is 
possibly the most significant economic event underta ken by Chinese Taipei in this review period 
and it promises to continue to benefit both partners. How ECFA's follow-up agreements will 
progress is something that will be of interest to all Members. In this regard, Canada notes that Chinese Taipei and China signed an agreement on services in June 2013 that is not yet ratified. 
4.51.  Canadians understand well the potential benefits of having a mega-market as a neighbour, 
as well as the need to ensure a healthy diversification in trade relationships. To this end, we 
congratulate Chinese Taipei on the conclusion of  free trade negotiations with both Singapore and 
New Zealand, and warmly welcome its interest in pursuing broader regional economic integration. 
4.52.  I would like to recognize Chinese Taipei for its efforts towards achieving greater regulatory 
alignment with international norms, for addressing economic irritants and for taking concrete steps 
towards exploring new approaches to economic liberalization since its last trade policy review. 
Efforts such as the implementation of a competition policy, enhancements of its intellectual 
property regime, and steps towards liberalization in the financial sector can be expected to contribute to investment attraction and economic strengthening, and will stand Chinese Taipei in good stead as it prepares to engage in trade negotiations that demand a high level of ambition. 
4.53.  However, there remains much to be done. Examples would include: improving the scientific 
basis for measures governing trade in agricultural products and the testing and inspection regime at the border; expanding the benefits of the "Free Economic Pilot Zones" across Chinese Taipei's 
territory; and liberalizing the process by which investment decisions in the energy sector can be 
taken. 
4.54.  This year we held the tenth annual bilateral Economic Consultations in Taipei. The 
discussions were fruitful and provided the opportunity to recall the recent resolution of a key trade 
irritant. Canadian bone-in beef and other specif ied beef products were granted access to the 
Chinese Taipei market in early 2014. Canada welcom es the resolution of this longstanding issue, 
but encourages Chinese Taipei to address othe r SPS issues, like ractopamine for pork, in 
accordance with internationally recognized science-based standards. We look forward to working 
with officials from Chinese Taipei as they address outstanding barriers to trade in accordance with international norms and commit to greater liberalization. 
4.55.  In conclusion, Chinese Taipei's efforts towards reorienting its trade policy agenda have not 
gone unnoticed by Canada and other Members. In embracing projects that challenge the status 
quo, Chinese Taipei communicates its vision of a region of freer trade. Achieving momentum 
towards delivering on such an agenda can be di fficult, but we applaud the work that has been 
done so far. 
PARAGUAY 4.56.  We are gratified by Taiwan's participation in this exercise at this time of economic recovery, 
as it overcomes the obstacles created by the past international financial crisis. 
4.57.  In that connection, and as we are all aware, the Taiwanese economy is one of the world's 
most open, with a genuinely export-oriented production platform. Thanks to this, real GDP grew by 
11% and gross capital formation by 23% in the af termath of the 2008 economic crisis. As always, 
the dynamic services sector played a key role in  this accomplishment, accounting for 65% of GDP 
and 60% of employment. 
4.58.  The World Bank's "Doing Business" index ranks Taiwan 16
th overall and 18th as regards the 
trading across borders indicator. This places Taiwan in the vanguard worldwide as pertains to the times required for and the costs of completing each official procedure for goods exports and imports, from the time of the contractual agreem ent between the two parties until delivery. This WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  has been demonstrated by Taiwan's proactive participation in the negotiations on the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement. 
4.59.  Against this positive backdrop, Taiwan's most outstanding achievement has been the 
introduction of reforms to liberalize the investment regime, fiscal reforms and intellectual property 
reforms. Also noteworthy is the Four-Year Nati onal Development Plan now being implemented and 
under which the Taiwanese Government gives high  priority to expanding trade and promoting 
investments. 
4.60.  I also wish to highlight the excellent bilateral relations existing between my country and 
Taiwan not only at the economic level, but also at the political, social and cultural levels. Trade flows in both directions increased during the period of this review: the main products originating in and traded between our countries are cereals and oilseeds, meat, various foodstuffs, cotton and 
wood charcoal. We must nevertheless recognize th at the levels of trade are considerably below 
their potential. 
4.61.  It is worth noting that in the current year, Taiwanese investments have been playing an 
active role in Paraguay, mainly in the industrial, energy and tourism sectors. 
4.62.  Similarly, we would like to highlight the importance of Taiwanese Government cooperation 
with Paraguay, through study fellowships, inno vation programmes, agricultural development 
projects, as well as important contributions to the national public health information system. 
4.63.  Another dimension of our bilateral relations of which we are proud is the richness of our 
social and cultural interchange; there is currently a large Taiwanese community resident in Paraguay and they are well integrated into the society and contribute positively to Paraguay's 
economic growth. 
4.64.  We have conducted ad hoc consultations with the Taiwanese delegation on matters that we 
consider important to highlight. We are grateful for the replies they have given us. Amongst them 
we wish to point specifically to financial support for companies planning to invest in countries with 
which Taiwan maintains diplomatic relations. 
4.65.  To conclude, it is worth stating that Paraguay and Taiwan share the same vision regarding 
the future of the multilateral trading system, we support the early implementation of the Bali 
Package and a future, development-centred work programme. 
NEW
 ZEALAND 
4.66.  Chinese Taipei is a significant economic force in the Asia-Pacific and is one of New Zealand’s 
most important trading partners. Trade between New Zealand and Chinese Taipei rose 15.2% in 
the year ended July 2014.  
4.67.  Two-way trade has been boosted by the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate 
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Cooperation or "ANZTEC", 
which came into force in December 2013. This is a high quality, comprehensive agreement which features complete elimination of tariffs on current exports within twelve years, improved business 
flows, a high quality services outcome that builds on the WTO General Agreement on Trade in 
Services, and liberalised trade in investment. The agreement includes chapters on Trade and Labour and Trade and Environment, including a lis t of 132 environmentally friendly goods to be 
liberalized on entry into force, the first time such chapters have been included in the body of a 
New Zealand agreement.  
4.68.  New Zealand commends Chinese Taipei for the positive strides it has made during the 
review period. We encourage Chinese Taipei to continue its pursuit of trade liberalization 
notwithstanding the economic challenges that arose after the global financial crisis.  
4.69.  We have noted the advancements Chinese Taipei has made in terms of its customs 
clearance mechanisms which are having a practical impact on the ease of doing business. We note 
that Chinese Taipei has been active in supporting others towards similar improvements, including 
through the central role that it played during the Trade Facilitation negotiations. Like Hong Kong, WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  China, we welcome Chinese Taipei’s leadership in submitting in June its Category A notification 
covering all section 1 provisions. We are also working with Chinese Taipei to improve bilateral customs cooperation via ANZTEC in order to further enhance business flows.   
4.70.  We have also noted other improvements that have been made during the review period that 
are helping to improve the ease of doing business in Chinese Taipei, including amendments to 
intellectual property rights legislation and the increase in alignment of all technical regulations with international standards. As indicated in some of our questions, we look forward to learning more 
about the free economic pilot zones. We welcome the decision to grant the Fair Trade Commission 
independent status during the review period. The notable jump of Chinese Taipei’s ranking up the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business survey (f rom 25th in 2012 to 16th in 2013) is a tangible 
measure of the positive impact such regulatory reforms can have, and New Zealand appreciates 
the opportunity to hear more from Chinese Taipei during this review as to its plans for further 
regulatory reform. 
4.71.  It is clear that Chinese Taipei has not opted to "rest on its laurels" during the review period, 
and in this same spirit New Zealand would like to highlight particular areas where we believe that 
further improvements can be made.   
4.72.  We have noted that non-product-specific AMS for the agricultural fertilizer price-difference 
subsidy rose from NT$43million in 2007 to NT$5billi on in 2009. We urge Chinese Taipei to explore 
options to reduce this sudden and significant increase in support to the agriculture sector, and to ensure that full details of this support programme are notified to the WTO.   
4.73.  We continue to have concerns regarding the very low rates of quota fill for many of Chinese 
Taipei’s agricultural tariff rate quotas, and again urge Chinese Taipei to take steps to address this 
long-standing problem. 
4.74.  We have also sought information in our written questions about fuel subsidies for agriculture 
and fishing, noting that fuel subsidies are a recognized source of distortion in primary production. 
Such subsidies are particularly far reaching and harmful in the case of the fisheries sector, including from an environmental and development perspective. We therefore encourage reform of 
this programme and other harmful fisheries subsidies, not least given the scale of Chinese Taipei’s 
fisheries production, imports, and exports. We welcome the transparency that Chinese Taipei has provided on its fisheries subsidy programmes, including through the TPR and its SCM notifications, and encourage the continuation and enhancement of this practice.  
4.75.  Notwithstanding our encouragement for further improvements, New Zealand wishes to again 
highlight the advancements Chinese Taipei has made during the review period and commend Chinese Taipei for its constructive engagement across the range of WTO initiatives, particularly its 
support for the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) expansion negotiations and its role in 
driving the launch of the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) negotiations. 
CHILE 
4.76.  From the documentation studied, it is clear that the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu is a modern economy, open to international trade, highly liberalized and clearly service-oriented. 
4.77.  Today, the economy of Chinese Taipei ranks 26
th in the world in terms of size, and 18th in 
terms of international trade, this latter position confirming that significant levels of social welfare 
and economic competitiveness can be achieved through effective integration into international markets. 
4.78.  It is therefore entirely logical that the servic es sector should represent almost 70% of its 
gross domestic product (GDP). Indeed, the large shar e of services is indicative of an economy that 
is closely bound up with global value chains. 
4.79.  By the same token, this situation helps prevent the introduction of discriminatory measures. 
It is common knowledge that maintaining discriminatory regimes with respect to services is complicated and often inefficient. In economic terms, it simply makes no sense to treat some WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  parties differently from others. In the world of services, it is consumers who impose the rules and 
providers simply compete to attract them. 
4.80.  We have seen from both reports that since its last trade policy review, Chinese Taipei has 
carried out a major programme of reforms. Of all those mentioned, we would like to highlight the 
"Institutional Reform" under which it has attempted to introduce greater levels of efficiency in 
public management, by means of administrative restructuring. 
4.81.  This reform is of vital importance as its implications go far beyond trade-related matters. 
4.82.  "Doing more with less", without giving up regulatory powers and simultaneously improving 
the quality of human resources is a challenge for all economies and invariably brings benefits. 
4.83.  Chinese Taipei is an active member of the international trade system, of which Chile is a 
part. We are both also members of the APEC forum and of this Organization. 
4.84.  The negotiations on the Trade In Services Agreement (TISA), in which we both participate, 
also reflect a shared view as to the priority being given to the international trade agenda. 
4.85.  As regards the challenges pending since the last review, it is striking that in the realm of 
financial services in particular, the public sector holds a roughly 50% stake in banking institutions. 
Without wishing to make an a priori criticism, we would like to know the reasons for this, as it seems, in principle, to be in contradiction with the openness and free competition that is evident in 
other areas. 
4.86.  Chile and Chinese Taipei maintain substantial economic ties, though there is clearly room for 
improvement. Of the total of our exports, over 80% consist of mineral products, more specifically, copper. Although this is economically significant, this situation shows that for our part we have a 
wide margin for diversifying our range of exports and increasing our penetration of that market 
with value-added products. 
SINGAPORE 
4.87.  Singapore–Chinese Taipei economic relations have grown from strength to strength. 
Bilateral trade reached US$44 billion in 2013. This is an 11.6% year-on-year increase from 2012, making Chinese Taipei Singapore’s 7th largest trading partner. This is a remarkable leap since 
2003 when trade between both econ omies was only US$18.5 billion.  
4.88.  Our mutual investment figures also testify to our strong economic relations. As of end-2012, 
Singapore companies had cumulatively invested US$4.9 billion in Chinese Taipei, making Chinese Taipei our 8th largest investment destination in Asia. Chinese Taipei is Singapore’s 6th largest 
source of investments from Asia with a cumulative investment of US$6 billion in 2012. Economic 
cooperation has also evolved and progressed, co vering a diverse range of sectors, including 
banking, high-tech manufacturing, food manufacturing and retail. We are confident that the 
recently concluded Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP), signed on 7 November 2013, will provide a strong foundation for further strengthening our trade and business ties.   
4.89.  Despite the adverse effects of the 2008 global financial crisis, Chinese Taipei has steadfastly 
maintained its open and liberal trade and investment regimes. This policy has clearly paid off as evident in Chinese Taipei’s robust recovery after 2009 and its continued positive export growth in 
2013 amidst the Eurozone debt crisis. We welcome Chinese Taipei’s unilateral liberalization efforts 
through the establishment of Free Economic Pilot Zones (FEPZs), progressive reduction of 
limitations on foreign investors under the Negative List for Investment by Foreign Nationals, as well as measures to facilitate trade such as the implementation of the Customs-Port Trade single 
window system and authorized economic operator scheme. Chinese Taipei’s notification that it 
would designate all provisions of Articles 1 to 12 of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation under Category A is a strong indication of their progressive trade facilitation regime. We note from the 
Secretariat’s report that Chinese Taipei’s tariff schedule has been largely unchanged since the last 
review, with the existence of a significant number of complex tariffs. We hope that Chinese Taipei can consider simplifying these to provide greater transparency for traders.   WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.90.  In the WTO, our two delegations work closely to gether. For example, both participate in the 
ongoing ITA and Environmental Goods negotiations, as well as the recently revised GPA. We commend the strong commitment of Chinese Taipei to the multilateral trading system and the constructive contributions of Permanent Representative Dr Lai Shin-yuen and her able team.  
ARGENTINA 
4.91.  As Argentina is a major producer and expo rter of agricultural products and their 
by-products, I shall now briefly discuss Chinese Taipei's agricultural trade policy. 
4.92.  As stated in the Secretariat Report, despite its limited and steadily declining importance in 
that Member's economy, agriculture – representing less than 2% of GDP – continues to be a major recipient of government assistance, including border protection, domestic support, direct 
payments, price support and interest subsidie s. Indeed, the average MFN tariff applied to 
agricultural goods, including ad valorem  equivalents, is 22.1% as compared to 5% for 
non-agricultural products. 
4.93.  Bearing in mind that, as also stated in the Secretariat Report, Chinese Taipei relies heavily 
on imported food, our view is that greater liberalization of the agricultural trade would redound to 
the benefit of its local consumers whilst helping to promote the needed diversification of the external markets of many developing countries, including Argentina. 
4.94.  We have therefore submitted questions through the Secretariat to the delegation of Chinese 
Taipei, and we convey our gratitude in advance for the answers. 
MEXICO 4.95.  Chinese Taipei is now a reference when it comes to world trade in advanced technological 
products. Over the past four years it has displayed strict monetary discipline by maintaining a 
stable real rate of exchange with variations of 1.5 percentage points and inflation rates below 2% (0.8% in 2013). 
4.96.  Services have become the main driver of its economy, representing 65% of its GDP for 2013 
alone and generating almost 60% of total employment. 
4.97.  Chinese Taipei has been an example of how a small economy can achieve high levels of 
growth. Its economic performance was nonethele ss strongly impacted by the slowdown in the 
world economy. Although annual GDP growth was 3.1% in the first quarter of this year, this is below the levels recorded prior to the world crisis of 2009. 
4.98.  According to some analysts, Chinese Taipei does not have much leeway for injecting greater 
investments into infrastructure projects and ther eby generate more employment, as was the case 
during the past two decades. Today it is very close to its debt ceiling, its debt having represented some 35% of GDP in 2013. 
4.99.  Added to this is the fact that the average age of  its population is almost 40 years. With very 
low growth rates (0.25%) and almost 25% being over  55 years of age, its population is showing a 
marked trend toward longevity. 
4.100.  Nevertheless, following are some variables indicating that its economic performance could 
improve in the years ahead: 
i. The rate of gross fixed capital formation seems to be recovering. It showed growth of 
5.3% in 2013, after two years of sizable reverses. 
ii. As a driver of domestic consumption, the tourism sector received 8 million tourists 
last year, which was a record number of visitors. 
iii. The launch of sweeping reforms such as that of the tax system, the liberalization of 
cross-Straits economic policies and the Economic and Investment Expansion Plan. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.101.  It should be underscored that the export sector plays a major role in Chinese Taipei's 
economic growth. Goods and services exports account for almost three-quarters of GDP. Yet the zero growth of goods exports over the past th ree years and dependence on a limited number of 
products and export markets represent the main short-term challenges. 
4.102.  It seems crucial to us for Chinese Taipei to redouble its efforts to diversify markets and 
products so as to confront latent economic crises in the major export markets. 
4.103.  We are concerned over the complexity of Chines e Taipei's tariff structure, which includes 
150 different types of tariffs (86 ad valorem , 16 specific and 48 alternative). Likewise, the average 
agricultural tariff is more than four times the industrial average. 
4.104.  We are struck by the fact that over the review  period there were no significant changes in 
the realms of government procurement, competitio n policy, the sanitary and phytosanitary regime 
and technical standards. 
4.105.  In services, even though there have been no major changes to the legislative framework of 
the main services sectors, Chinese Taipei has selected ten key industries under its industrial 
development policy. We are sure that they will boost its economic growth. 
4.106.  We also welcome the introduction of crucial tools to facilitate trade, such as the single 
window and a system of authorized economic oper ators. We welcome the "Category A" notification 
submitted by Chinese Taipei to the Preparatory Committee on Trade Facilitation within the set 
time-frame and in which it undertakes to implement all the provisions of the Trade Facilitation Agreement when it enters into force. We have no doubt that Chinese Taipei is making a crucial contribution to the work of the WTO and is a friend of the multilateral trading system.  
PERU 
4.107.  Like other Members, our delegation wishes to note that the economy of Chinese Taipei 
ranks 18
th in the world, and this as a result of its export orientation. Its economic growth is largely 
dependent on goods and services exports, which ma ke up almost 73% of gross domestic product. 
Services account for over 65% of GDP and generate  59% of employment. Despite the fall in world 
demand in 2008 and 2009 and having grown at a rate of 2%, the economy of Chinese Taipei 
expects to benefit from stronger exte rnal demand over the medium term. 
4.108.  We further underscore Chinese Taipei's excellent use of its comparative advantages in the 
information technology manufacturing industries, which have made it a highly competitive Member which, despite the challenges it must face, continues to be a net investor abroad. It is also worth 
pointing out that outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows are almost treble FDI inflows. Not 
only are Chinese Taipei's achievements significant, but its trade policy objectives continue to focus on greater integration into the world economy through active participation in the WTO. 
4.109.  The economic reforms launched by Chinese Taipei include, inter alia,  the signing of free 
trade agreements, reforming its tax system, land regulation and the services sector. Meanwhile, as stated in paragraph 15 of the Secretariat Report, several types of assistance have continued in 
place, such as subsidies for agricultural, fisheries and industrial products. Furthermore, as a result 
of the privatization process begun in 1992, but wh ich is now all but suspended, there is still a 
predominance of government-owned enterprises in sectors such as electricity, petroleum, postal 
services, telecommunications, banking and land transport. 
4.110.  Still in place are also export measures that are set out in detail in paragraph 17 of the 
Report. Noteworthy among them is the maintenance of prohibitions and licensing requirements for certain exports as well as tariff exemptions and duty drawbacks. 
4.111.  On the bilateral front, trade between Peru and Chinese Taipei continues to show a deficit 
for Peru, whose exports to Chinese Taipei in 2013 amounted to US$212 million, and imports to US$443 million. For the most part, Peruvian exports comprise traditional products from the 
mining, fishing, agriculture, petroleum and natura l gas sectors. Imports mainly comprise capital 
goods and building materials. Finally, Peru and Chinese Taipei share the space provided by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for strengthening the multilateral trading system WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  under the auspices of the WTO. We also participate in other trade integration processes such as 
the plurilateral negotiations on the Trade In Services Agreement (TISA). 
BRAZIL 4.112.  Chinese Taipei’s economy has displayed solid fundamentals over the review period: an 
upward trend in GDP in the last few years, growing per capita income, low inflation, a large stock 
of forex reserves. Similarly, the customs territory enjoys a comfortable social position, with robust social indicators such as consistent full unemployment rates, rising salaries, and low extreme 
poverty rates.  
4.113.  Such welfare is inextricably linked to prosperi ty outside Chinese Taipei’s borders, especially 
in its immediate vicinity. The centrality of foreign trade for those results could not be overstated: exports of both goods and services, for the most part within value chains connecting it to China 
and other neighbouring Asian economies, have a ccounted for nearly 70% of GDP. Strong demand 
for its high value-added products, underpinned by a disciplined focus on innovation and Research and Development, has ensured Chinese Taipei a virtuous integration into the world economy and a 
very comfortable balance of payments situation, with surpluses in both the goods and services 
accounts.  
4.114.  Conversely, while the high degree of openness has upheld economic and social progress in 
Chinese Taipei, an ample reliance on external ma rkets has also made it more vulnerable to 
external shocks. This explains why, in the year s ensuring the outbreak of the 2008 financial and 
economic crisis, GDP growth presented negative or close to zero figures. 
4.115.  To lessen such vulnerabilities, economic reforms have been advanced. Focus has also been 
placed on the attraction of foreign direct investment, the extension of the network of trade and 
economic cooperation agreements, and the diversif ication of the productive structure and trading 
partners. To this effect, investment and trade in services have been promoted, as well as trade 
with developing countries. Those efforts are not, however, free from challenges. Stiffer 
competition brought about by further liberalization efforts frequently provokes uneasiness in domestic stakeholders. 
4.116.  In the WTO, Chinese Taipei has played a pragmatic and positive role, commensurate with 
its share in international trade and the importance of trade for its economy. It is noteworthy that the customs territory has never been a respondent in a WTO dispute settlement case and was up-to-date with notification requirements under various WTO agreements in the review period. 
4.117.  Brazil is pleased to be Chinese Taipei’s chief trading partner in Latin America and hopes for 
deeper, wider and more balanced trade relations with the island. In 2013, Brazil accounted for over 27% of total exports by the customs territory  to Latin America. Trade flows between Chinese 
Taipei and Brazil displayed a positive trend between 2009 and 2013. They grew by around 55% 
and were increasingly more balanced in value terms throughout that period. However, further 
improvements towards a more even bilateral exchange could and should be pursued.  
INDONESIA 
4.118.  We are pleased to be here today to participate in the Trade Policy Review of the Separate 
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Since its last review in 2010, Chinese Taipei has continued with the policy of promoting open, liberalized trade and investment regimes 
as a basis for economic growth. Since then, the customs territory has enjoyed a strong recovery 
period after experiencing the negative impacts of the Global Financial Crisis. Through the resurgence of exports as well as a robust ec onomic and trade structure, Chinese Taipei has 
undergone a remarkable 11% growth rate in real GDP and a 23% growth rate in gross fixed capital 
formation in 2010. Indeed, Chinese Taipei is a perfect example in which a Member may benefit from the multilateral trading system. 
4.119.  Indonesia further commends the strong role of Chinese Taipei in promoting trade and 
investment liberalization through regional, sub-regional, and bilateral cooperation. We also appreciate Chinese Taipei’s positive contribution in the WTO, not only in the regular work of the WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  WTO but also in the on-going efforts to renew the DDA negotiations, as well as active participation 
in various plurilateral initiatives.  
4.120.  On the bilateral side, please allow me to share how Indonesia and Chinese Taipei have 
been engaging in a mutually beneficial trade relationship, which is steadily growing. Between the 
period of 2009 to 2013, our annual trade growth on average was 15.81%, up  to US$10.3 billion in 
2013. Furthermore, we have completed a feasibility study in December 2012, which suggested that we could still enhance our bilateral relations by means of an Economic Cooperation 
Agreement. In fact, the study suggested that such an agreement would not only be beneficial to 
both parties but would also increase the economic growth of other Southeast Asian nations by 0.11% annually. 
4.121.  Nevertheless, despite the positive and strong economic ties between Indonesia and 
Chinese Taipei, we still have some trade and trade-related concerns that, hopefully, could be 
addressed at this Trade Policy Review. These concerns relate to, among others, investment procedures as well as implementation of international standards and technical regulations in 
Chinese Taipei. Indonesia has also submitted sp ecific questions regarding Chinese Taipei’s 
prohibition on herbal medicine, which we hope that a response could be provided to alleviate our concerns. 
HONDURAS 
4.122.  Given its rapid and successful recovery from the world financial crisis, there is no doubt 
that Chinese Taipei continues to be a world economic and trading power. This is all attributable to the timely measures taken by its Government and to its solid, dynamic and export-oriented 
economy, which in 2012 ranked 19
th in the world in terms of the size of its GDP on a purchasing 
power parity basis, and was the 18th largest exporter and 18th largest importer. Chinese Taipei is 
now continuing to apply the policy of promoting op en and liberalized trade and investment regimes 
as the basis for economic growth. 
4.123.  We are pleased to note from the Government Report that Chinese Taipei's macroeconomic 
policy aims to create an efficient, liberalized and internationally competitive market economy. 
Exports, led by electronic goods, machinery and petrochemical products, have been the main 
driver of economic development. It is gratifying to see that the Government aims to diversify its exports to emerging markets so as to create new business opportunities. In addition to its participation in the WTO and in related negotiations on liberalization, Chinese Taipei is also 
continuing to promote its bilateral economic and trade relations by seeking engagement in various 
regional integration processes. 
4.124.  We also welcome the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu's 
Four-Year National Development Plan (2013-2016) which is currently being implemented and 
includes trade expansion and investment promotion as two of its major economic development goals. The Government also launched the Economic Power-Up Plan in 2012, designed to improve 
industrial infrastructure and more efficiently harn ess the drivers of economic growth in order to 
create a heightened capacity for responding to changing economic conditions. 
4.125.  At the bilateral level, Honduras and Chinese Taipei have maintained extraordinary relations 
since 1965, marked by excellent ties of friendship  and cooperation. Since the signing of the Free 
Trade Agreement in 2008, our trade relations have  grown considerably, with trade expanding by 
62.5% since then. 
4.126.  We take this opportunity to thank Chinese Taipei for the invaluable economic and 
educational cooperation and technical assistance provided to our country. 
TURKEY 4.127.  It is commendable that, since its last trade review, Chinese Taipei further improved its 
economic performance while keeping its trade openness and its overall liberal trade regime. 
Although its economic growth is highly dependent on exports, representing 73% of its GDP, in a 
quite volatile global environment, Chinese Taipei has successfully minimized the negative outcomes of global economic crisis and it has achieved a relatively rapid recovery and continued WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  its economic growth since 2010. We are also pleased to see that it has also achieved a positive 
overall macroeconomic balance which is indispensable for a healthy trade trajectory. Unemployment has been steadily decreasing since the last trade policy review and the consumer price inflation has also been under control. 
4.128.  It is also noteworthy that Chinese Taipei has nearly doubled both its exports and its 
imports during the last ten years despite the global economic crisis. It should also be underlined that the country has also ranked high in terms of social parameters. Its GDP per capita reached 
US$20,958, which is one of the highest in South-Ea stern Asia. It also has a very high place in 
global human development rankings. 
4.129.  Experience of Chinese Taipei as a leading ex porter of advanced manufacturing goods such 
as telecommunication and electronic equipment is  a real example of how a small but a globally 
integrated economy can benefit from a trade specialization and prudent value-chain management: 
• strengthening its competition policy through granting of independent status to its Fair 
Trade Commission; 
 
• modernization of its IPR protection framework through legislative changes and better 
enforcement practices; 
 
• reducing limitations and restrictions on foreign investments through removal of some 
important sectors from the negative list. 
4.130.  It is also good to observe that Chinese Taipei has taken some liberalization steps in a 
regional context, such as signing economic cooperation agreements with New Zealand and 
Singapore, in addition to its Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement with China. 
4.131.  That being said, we wish to mention that, as for all Members, there is still room for 
improvement for Chinese Taipei in its trade polic y framework. In this respect, the Secretariat 
report points out to the tariff structure which is relatively complex due to application of multiple tariff categories. Chinese Taipei has also increased some of its imports ban practices from 63 to 
70 HS ten-digit items since the last trade review. 
4.132.  Coming to bilateral trade relations, our over all trade volume jumped from US$1,47 billion 
in 2009 to US$2 billion in 2013, largely in favour of Chinese Taipei. In this context, Turkish imports from Chinese Taipei amounts to US$1,9 billio n, while Turkish exports amounts to only 
US$118 million. In this respect, we would like fu rther work with Chinese Taipei to improve and 
balance our bilateral relations in both ways, with regard to trade in goods, services and investments. 
KINGDOM
 OF SAUDI  ARABIA 
4.133.  I would like to thank Chinese Taipei for resorting to the alternative timeframe. This has 
allowed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Members to submit their questions and receive 
written answers well ahead of this session, thus undoubtedly contributing to the quality and depth 
of this review. This is also a sign of the importance Chinese Taipei attaches to this transparency exercise. 
4.134.  Despite a population of just over 23 million, the 52
nd when ranked in importance in the 
world, a limited territory and scant natural resources, Chinese Taipei remains one of the most 
important economic and trading entities in the world and ranked 19th in terms of the size of its 
GDP and 6th in terms of reserves of foreign exchanges in 2012. As Chinese Taipei's economic 
performance is heavily dependent on its exports of  both goods and services, it suffered, over the 
review period, of the sharp drop in global demand resulting from the 2008-2009 economic and financial crisis. However, Chinese Taipei's economy remains strong. It grew by 2.1% in 2013 and 
is expected to continue to expand with the de velopment of global dema nd in coming years. 
4.135.  As a result of the recent global economic and financial crisis, Chinese Taipei undertook 
important structural reforms to increase efficiency and competitiveness and broaden diversity within its economy. Interestingly, Chinese Taipei selected six "emerging" industries, four WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  "intelligent" and ten key service industries; launched the Economic Power-Up Plan to further 
strengthen export competitiveness; and established Free Economic Pilot Zones (FEPZ). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thanks Chinese Taipei for the clarifications it provided in the written questions it circulated last week regarding these reforms, particularly the "Three Industries, Four 
Reforms" programme, the "servicification" of indu stries and the operation of FEPZ. The promotion 
of integration between manufacturing industries and service providers and the further liberalization of trade in free trade zones will undoubtedly rein force the industry and economy of Chinese Taipei. 
4.136.  Despite a distance of 7,438 kilometres betw een Riyadh and Taipei, the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia and Chinese Taipei are important trading partners and seek to reinforce their cooperation on economic and trade issues. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has historically been the largest supplier of oil to Chinese Taipei and received technical support in the agricultural and medical 
sectors from Chinese Taipei in the 1960s and 1970s. Over the last ten years, the value of trade 
relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  and Chinese Taipei has quadrupled, from 
US$4 billion in 2003 to over US$16 billion in 2013. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been 
exporting petroleum and chemical products to Chinese Taipei while importing a wide range of 
products, including information technology equipment, spare parts and accessories, machinery and textile products. The industrialization and diversification of the Saudi economy has resulted in new 
joint industrial development projects. As recently as this summer, the Taiwan External Trade 
Development Council lead a trade delegation visit to Riyadh and Jeddah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is confident that trade relations with Chinese Taipei will continue to grow on the basis of their complementary assets and shared views for their mutual benefit. 
4.137.  Since joining the WTO on 1 January 2002, only weeks after the Fourth Ministerial 
Conference decided to launch the Doha Developmen t Agenda (DDA), Chinese Taipei has actively 
and consistently supported the strengthening of the world trading system. It has, for example, 
played a key role in the preparation of the last Ministerial Conference by greatly contributing to the 
negotiations on trade facilitation. 
4.138.  Chinese Taipei is also to be commended for its unfettered support for the early conclusion 
of a comprehensive DDA. Chinese Taipei, together with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a number 
of Members, continues to be committed to the successful conclusion of the DDA and will be engaged in all efforts aimed at moving the proces s forward. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia firmly 
considers that the conclusion of a balanced DDA taking into account developing countries' concerns 
while providing for greater tariff and non-tariff liberalization will not only serve to strengthen the 
world trading system, but will also reinforce the global economy for the ultimate benefit of all Members. 
COLOMBIA 
4.139.  Over the review period, the economy of Chinese Taipei has been recovering rapidly from 
the world economic crisis, which had impacted its growth between 2008 and 2009 as contracting 
world demand affected trends in exports and investment. The economy has grown steadily and 
progressively since then, posting GDP growth of almost 17% between the years 2009 and 2013. 
4.140.  As stated in the Secretariat Report, goods and services exports represent almost 
three quarters of the economy, which means st rong reliance on external demand and extreme 
vulnerability to world economic changes. 
4.141.  The sectoral composition of GDP shows that se rvices are the main sector of the economy, 
accounting for 66% of GDP and 59% of employ ment, whilst manufacturing makes up about 
one quarter. Besides, the agricultural sector ac counts for a small and steadily declining share of 
GDP and employment, despite being a major recipient of government support. 
4.142.  The trade balance is positive in both goods and services, and technology makes up a major 
part of the country's exports. 
4.143.  As regards attracting foreign direct investment, there are still major difficulties in 
increasing the volume given its regional competitors. As stated in the Secretariat Report, it is therefore crucial to meet importer concerns pertaining to the regulation of land acquisition and 
access to the services sector. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.144.  We recognize the efforts that the Government of Chinese Taipei has been deploying to 
implement its economic power-up plan. 
4.145.  As regards the evolution of the trade policy now under review, it is worth highlighting the 
following: 
• The efforts of the Chinese Taipei Government  to establish the single window system 
for customs, ports and trade, the implementa tion of operations to facilitate customs 
clearance and compliance with international trade facilitation guidelines. 
 
• The Government initiative aimed at diversifying its exports to emerging markets and 
creating new business opportunities by promoting trade and economic cooperation agreements. 
 
• Its active participation in WTO negotiations, especially on the expansion of the ITA, 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement and its very active impl ementation of the TRIPS Agreement. 
 • Its compliance of its notification obligations under the different WTO agreements. In 
this connection we await its early notification regarding quantitative restrictions. 
 • Measures taken at the border to deter the import and export of counterfeits and 
"pirated" goods, and 
 
• The formulation of fishing policies designed to preserve the sustainability of fishery 
resources and assure the country's food security. 
4.146.  Meanwhile, we are still concerned at the persistence of highly complex non- ad valorem  
tariffs, especially in agriculture. We point to the case of rice, where the tariff can reach an ad valorem  equivalent higher than 1.000%. Not only are there protective tariff measures for this 
product, but also price support programmes that reinforce a high level of protection against 
imports. 
4.147.  We also urge Chinese Taipei to align its technical regulations and sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures with international standards. 
4.148.  Finally, the lessons learned from the "Taiwanese economic miracle" have been many. 
Chinese Taipei has been able to take advantage of globalization to develop its economic model, which serves as an example to many countries in Latin America for developing industrial policies 
and innovation. We hope that with the policy of economic diversification especially in the services 
sector, and establishment of clear rules for trading with its main commercial partners, Chinese Taipei will be able to stay on a path of strong growth in the future. 
THAILAND 
4.149.  Chinese Taipei and Thailand have held a close-knit trade and commercial relationship for a 
long period of time. Chinese Taipei is currently Thailand’s eleventh largest trading partner, our nineteenth export destination and ninth import source. On the other hand, Thailand is Chinese 
Taipei’s fourteenth trading partner and an important export destination and import supplier. In 
2013, our trade value reached to around US$11 billion slightly decreasing from 2012 by 5%.  
4.150.  The bilateral relationship between Thailand an d Chinese Taipei has been strengthened over 
the areas of trade, culture, and other cooperat ion. Thailand established a Thailand Trade and 
Economic Office and a Trade Promotion Office in Taipei to promote our bilateral trade, investment, academic and cultural exchanges with Chinese Taipei. Furthermore, our private sectors have 
strong connections through the Joint Economic Cooperation Committee between the Chinese 
International Economic Cooperation Association (C IECA) and the Federation of Thai Industries 
(FTI). Later this year, the Joint Committee expects to convene its 24th meeting in Bangkok. 
4.151.  Not only do we enjoy our bilateral relationship with Chinese Taipei, but Thailand also 
appreciates Chinese Taipei’s role in the multilateral trading system and other. In fact, Thailand’s WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  percentage of exports of goods and services to GD P is about the same as that of Chinese Taipei. 
Therefore, we hold similar values as Chinese Taipei in honouring multilateral commitments in this Organization. Thailand supports Chinese Taipei’s effort to seek new engines of economic growth and to diversify its economy in order to be less vulnerable to external demand volatility. Among all 
its impressive economic performances, Thailand is thankful for Chinese Taipei’s strengthening of 
trade facilitation and promotion activities, reductio n of trade barriers in overseas markets, and its 
active participation in the World Trade Organization. 
4.152.  At this Trade Policy Review, we would also like to commend Chinese Taipei for choosing to 
use the alternative timeframe for submission of written questions and responses showing its willingness and readiness to be involved in the Organization. 
4.153.  In this review, Thailand submitted several questions to Chinese Taipei on foreign 
investment disputes, intellectual property rights, and the "Three Industries, Four Reforms" 
programme which aims to adjust the economy’s industrial structure. We are looking forward to receiving and studying Chinese Taipei’s response with great interest. 
4.154.  In closing, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the delegation of Chinese 
Taipei for today’s presentation and their upcoming response to our questions. We are grateful for 
the bilateral and multilateral relationships with them and very much appreciate the continuing 
close cooperation of Permanent Representative Dr Shin-Yuan Lai and her officers with the Thai 
Mission.   
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.155.  Chinese Taipei’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience during the period under 
review by overcoming repercussions from the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. As the Secretariat 
report pointed out, Chinese Taipei, the world’s 18th largest trader in terms of 2012 trade volume, has experienced strong, albeit somewhat volatile, economic performance during the review period 
since the economy of Chinese Taipei has been heavily dependent on external demand. 
4.156.  Against the backdrop, we would like to commend Chinese Taipei on its continuous efforts 
through initiatives such as the "4-Year National Development Plan (2013-2016)" and the 
"Economic Power up Plan in 2012" which have aime d at diversifying export markets, expanding 
international trade, facilitating foreign investments as well as overcoming a heavy reliance on the ICT sector.   
4.157.  Korea and Chinese Taipei are not only firm believers in the rule-based multilateral trading 
system, embodied by the WTO, but also are strong  supporters of its enhancement. Chinese Taipei 
has been actively participating in the DDA negotiations as well as plurilateral negotiations on the expansion of the ITA, the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA), the revision of the 1994 
Government Procurement Agreement and the libe ralization of environmental goods. We are 
especially pleased to be in close cooperation with Chinese Taipei in various WTO negotiations. Along these lines, we expect Chinese Taipei will continue to contribute to the enhancement of the 
WTO system. 
4.158.  On the bilateral front, Korea and Chinese Ta ipei are enjoying a robust and strongly 
interlinked economic relationship. In 2013, Chinese Taipei was Korea's 6th largest trading partner, while Korea also stands as Chinese Taipei’s 6th largest trading partner and our steadily increasing 
volume of bilateral trade reached US$30.3 billion.  
4.159.  Let me turn to some areas of particular interest to us with respect to the economic and 
trade policies of the Chinese Taipei. I would like to make two comments in this regard.  
4.160.  First, according to the Secretariat report, Chinese Taipei has pursued closer economic 
integration with China, in particular through the "Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement" (ECFA), which entered into force in 2010. It is also noted in the report that as part of the early 
harvest of the ECFA, China has removed tariffs on 539 items from Chinese Taipei while Chinese 
Taipei has eliminated tariffs on 267 items from China and both parties intend to complete a more comprehensive trade in goods agreement in the near future. Considering the economic relations between the two Members that have had a significant impact on global trade, it is our hope that WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  Chinese Taipei will provide further detailed information regarding the current status of the 
follow-up agreements of ECFA with a view to helping other WTO Members be informed of the 
milestone agreement. 
4.161.  Second, we would like to point out that Chinese Taipei has maintained a restrictive 
measure that Korean shipping companies are not allowed to transport container cargo through the 
Japan-Chinese Taipei route, despite the fact that  Chinese Taipei has allowed shipping companies 
from other countries to transport through the route. In our view, Chinese Taipei’s application of 
the aforementioned discriminative measure against Korea is inconsistent with WTO rules, in 
particular the MFN provision. We expect Chinese Taipei to resolve this issue in a constructive and positive way at the earliest possible date. 
4.162.  In addition to the comments mentioned before, my delegation also submitted some written 
questions to Chinese Taipei on certain aspects of its trade and trade-related policies and 
measures. We therefore would like to take this opportunity to thank Chinese Taipei that will provide us with written answers. We will look in to them carefully when they are available and may 
come back later, if necessary. 
MALAYSIA 4.163.  We recognize that the period since Chinese Taipei’s last Trade Policy Review had been a 
challenging one. As an export-oriented economy,  Chinese Taipei’s economic growth is heavily 
dependent on exports of goods and services, which is equivalent to 73% of Chinese Taipei GDP. 
4.164.  The quick response by the Government in introducing policy initiatives to address the 
impact of the global financial crisis and downtu rn in global demand in 2009 has helped Chinese 
Taipei to overcome the situation. It is noteworthy that despite the turbulent global economic 
scenario, Chinese Taipei’s economy has significantly rebounded since 2010, with 10.8% growth rate in real GDP for 2010 and has continued fracti on of growth in between 1.5%-4.2% yearly in 
the last two years. Malaysia commends Chinese Taipei’s implementation of significant fiscal and 
monetary stimulus in response to the crisis, while resisting protectionism measures. 
4.165.  Chinese Taipei and Malaysia have always maintained strong trade relations. In 2013, 
Chinese Taipei was Malaysia’s 8th largest trading partner, 11th largest export destination and 6th 
largest import source. At the same time, Malaysia was Chinese Taipei’s 8th largest trading partner; 9th largest export destination and 9th largest import source. Malaysia’s total exports to Chinese Taipei in 2013 amounted to US$6.7 billion, while total imports, in the same year, amounted to 
US$9.9 billion. 
4.166.  Malaysia and Chinese Taipei also enjoy good investment ties where, in 2013, 
18 investment projects from Chinese Taipei wi th a total investment of US$39.9 million was 
approved. These investments were concentrated in the chemical and chemical products, 
electronics and electrical products, fabricated metal products, and wood and wood products. 
4.167.  We also note that Chinese Taipei continues to pursue policies in seeking new engines of 
economic growth and in diversifying its economy, inter alia , through improving the international 
competitiveness of the services industries. Similarly, in the manufacturing sector, Chinese Taipei’s industrial development reform policy aims to re duce its dependence on manufactured exports in 
the future by efforts aimed at encourage innovations; distribution and utilization of intangible 
assets; human-resource  development; funding assistance; investments in the sustainable 
development of industries; and provisions of  land supply for industrial activities.  
4.168.  As an economy that is similarly dependent on exports, Malaysia too is seeking ways to 
increase competitiveness of our services sector as  the new engine of growth. Therefore, we also 
welcome investment in the services sector from Chinese Taipei and to work closely in areas of mutual interests.  
EL
 SALVADOR 
4.169.  We note that since its previous review, Chin ese Taipei has been pressing ahead with the 
liberalization of trade and investments, especially in the services sector. It is currently adopting WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  and implementing measures to restructure its economy and trade so as to stimulate investment 
and domestic consumption while striving to improve the climate for attracting direct investments and boosting international competitiveness, amongst other things. 
4.170.  As regards trade facilitation, we observe that the customs authorities have launched a 
single window system to accelerate customs cl earance and introduced an authorized economic 
operators scheme to facilitate procedures for traders meeting certain requirements. We further wish to underscore the effort made by Chinese Taipei to secure the constant improvements made 
in the areas of administration and transparency, in particular as regards the publication of its 
national regulations. 
4.171.  We further note that in the process of improvements and more specifically in the 
framework of the strategic priority of stimulating investment and innovation, the Law on Industrial 
Innovation has been passed in order to support innovation, research and development. We did ask 
a question on this point and are grateful for the reply received. 
4.172.  On the trading front, Chinese Taipei occupies 11
th place amongst our export destinations 
and first place amongst Asian destinations. In imports, Chinese Taipei ranks 16th amongst the 
providers of goods to El Salvador, and is crucial to the country's chain of production. 
4.173.  Trade between El Salvador and Chinese Taipei is complementary; for the year 2013, 
El Salvador's exports to Chinese Taipei amounted to US$47 million, of which 89% was 
concentrated in sugar and coffee, whilst imports totalled US$169 million. 
4.174.  Imports for the year 2013 consisted mainly of PET, used to manufacture plastic containers 
for beverages, of a total value of US$73.2 million, 43% of the imported total going to the country's 
plastic container industry; other knitted fabrics of  synthetic fibres (US$3.4 million), representing 
2%; other knitted fabrics with yarn of different colours (US$2.5 million), amongst other things. 
4.175.  As pertains to investment, it is worth noting the appreciable foreign direct investment flows 
into El Salvador from Chinese Taipei. The main industries to which these investments go are 
textiles and clothing, industrial plants, plastic products, footwear, agriculture, fisheries, motorcycle parts and spare parts, as well as a solar panel assembly plant and other power equipment. 
4.176.  El Salvador maintains significant links with Chinese Taipei, and, in the framework of trade 
policy, we have been working to strengthen our ti es of trade and cooperation in order to optimize 
our trade and investment flows. Agreements were recently concluded to establish the administrative commission to oversee the Free Trade Agreement, a new Five-Year Cooperation 
Programme 2014-2019, amongst other important activities coming within the context of the 
Presidential visit by His Excellency Ma Ying-jeou to El Salvador. 
4.177.  At the multilateral level, and as we have all observed, we underscore the active role played 
by the delegation of Chinese Taipei in the Round of Negotiations. 
ECUADOR 4.178.  Ecuador is participating with interest in this Trade Policy Review, all the more so as 
Chinese Taipei is considered to be one of the world's most important economic and commercial 
entities. The Secretariat Report states that in  2012 it was ranked amongst the top 20 exporting 
and importing nations. 
4.179.  Chinese Taipei's economic growth, which is particularly dependent on goods and services 
exports – representing 73% of GDP – together with growth of 2.1% in 2013 and the expected 
continuation of this trend, are all factors that keep alive Ecuador's interest in attending this meeting. 
4.180.  Another noteworthy factor is the link between the economy of Chinese Taipei and China in 
the context of the negotiations on the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, under which trade in services will be one of the sectors promising strongest growth. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.181.  The reports before us refer to a programme of economic reforms formulated to tackle 
major economic challenges. Ecuador welcomes the reforms to the tax system, the services sector and the health system, as well as the Free Economic Pilot Zone Plan. 
4.182.  As regards trade facilitation, my country underscores the reforms introduced by the 
customs authorities to implement a single window system to speed up the clearance and release of 
goods. In the context of trade facilitation, Ecuado r attaches the highest importance to developing 
and promoting customs cooperation. Any information that could be made available to operators for 
trade promotion purposes will be of the greatest significance. 
4.183.  As regards manufacturing, there is a trend towards focusing on information and 
communication technologies and on the services se ctor, in which there have been no significant 
liberalization measures to further open markets to non-local service providers. 
PANAMA 
4.184.  For some 50 years now Panama has maintained close and fruitful relations with 
Chinese Taipei which we have deepened and strengthened over time. Panama was the first 
country to sign a free trade agreement with Chinese Taipei on 21 August 2003, ushering in 
prosperous bilateral commercial relations to the benefit of both parties, particularly as pertains to trade in goods and services, investments, intellectual property, trade facilitation and dispute 
settlement, amongst other things. 
4.185.  The tariff reductions scheduled under this agreement for both parties are now complete 
and this has created new business opportunities. We have endeavoured to promote tourism, reciprocal investment, and to carry out projects in  infrastructure, health and education, which are 
part of our relations in areas that go beyond the merely commercial and to which we also attach 
great importance. 
4.186.  For Panama, Chinese Taipei represents a potential market of some 23 million people; 
Panama's principal export is metal scrap, foll owed by bovine meat, cane sugar, coffee and 
accessories for automobiles. 
4.187.  Chinese Taipei occupies fourth place amongst Asian users of the Panama Canal, with a flow 
of cargo of 4,320,808 long tonnes for the year 2013. 
4.188.  This review underscores the effort made by Chinese Taipei to facilitate trade. It has 
adopted State policies to that end and has stepped up its efforts at regional integration and the conclusion of regional trade agreements. These re flect the gradual but effective transformation of 
the economy, for example, through the co mmitments assumed and the growing use and 
protection of intellectual property rights. Other ev idence of the increasing maturity of the economy 
is to be found in the diversification of sectors, the reduction of trade barriers and in the country's 
commitment to the multilateral trading system. This  has been clearly demonstrated by its active 
participation in the life, work and negotiations of the WTO. I therefore wish to congratulate Chinese Taipei on having recently taken over the crucially important Chair of the Committee on 
Rules of Origin. All these endeavours have enabled it to recover rapidly from the world economic 
crisis and achieve growth of 2.1% in 2013. 
4.189.  Without elaborating any further, we call on Ch inese Taipei to press ahead in its endeavours 
to improve on those areas that have been iden tified during the review as needing greater 
attention, so that it can continue on the path of economic growth and maintain its commitment to 
the multilateral trading system, with the resulting concrete social and developmental benefits. 
JAPAN 
4.190.  Since the last TPR, Chinese Taipei’s economy has shown sound and positive development. 
In recent years, it has been undertaking fiscal reform by reviewing fiscal expenditure and expanding revenue sources. We believe that the sound fiscal policy will contribute to further 
growth in the future. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.191.  According to the report by the Secretariat, Chinese Taipei’s economic growth is heavily 
dependent on exports of goods and services, and its vulnerability to external demand volatility 
represents the major risk in the medium term. In fact, the global economic crisis in 2008 caused a 
significant negative impact on its economy. On this respect, Chinese Taipei has been making 
efforts to diversify its industry. Japan evaluates these efforts for structural reform and hopes that 
they will contribute to the stable development of its economy. 
4.192.  Now let me move to trade policies. We have two points here: WTO and RTAs. 
4.193.  On the WTO, Chinese Taipei is an active and reliable Member. We are enjoying very close 
cooperation not only in the DDA round negotiation including Bali Package but also in the regular work. Chinese Taipei is also contributing to the negotiations of ITA expansion and of environmental goods liberalization. Japan highly appreciates the important roles that it plays in the multilateral 
trading system. 
4.194.  On RTAs, Chinese Taipei has actively engaged itself in bilateral and regional economic 
integration. It signed the RTAs with China, New Zealand and Singapore. According to the report by 
the Government, the Roadmap issued in 2012 sets out the policy objective that 60% of total trade 
should be covered by RTAs by 2020. Japan commends these efforts for trade liberalization, since they are complementary to the multilateral trading system as long as they are implemented 
consistently with the WTO Agreements.  
4.195.  Finally, I touch upon investment policies. Chinese Taipei has been carrying out positive 
investment policies. It has concluded five bilateral investment arrangements including one with Japan in this review period. It also launched eight Free Economic Pilot Zones (FEPZs) in 2013, 
promoting high-end services, such as financial services, by providing supporting measures for 
investment, including deregulation on labour and capital movement. Japan commends these measures aiming at promoting foreign direct investment. 
4.196.  In conclusion, Japan hopes that all these efforts by Chinese Taipei in macroeconomic, trade 
and investment policies will contribute to the economic development not only of Chinese Taipei but also of Asia and the rest of the world. 
OMAN 
4.197.  The delegation of Oman congratulates Chinese Taipei on its impressive growth which has 
resulted in it becoming the 18th largest exporter and the 18th largest importer. We are impressed that Chinese Taipei remains a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system and has pursued 
the policy of promoting open and liberalized trade as a basis for economic growth. It has been an 
active Member of the WTO and has joined the on-g oing efforts to renew DDA negotiations. We are 
happy to note that Chinese Taipei understands the cr ucial importance of liberalization as an engine 
for economic growth and it is committed to unilaterally reviewing and reforming its domestic trade 
and investment regimes. 
4.198.  The Secretariat report shows that exports of goods and services account for about 73% of 
Chinese Taipei’s GDP. Its economic growth he avily depends on exports and thus its policy 
emphasis on liberalization of trade and strengthening of the multilateral trading system. This is complemented by the regional and bilateral agreements. 
4.199.  We are happy to note that Chinese Taipei, like Oman, has bound tariffs on all tariff lines. 
Its average bound rate for all items is 8.1%, while its average applied rate is 7.8%, with the 
average for non-agricultural products at the low figure of 5%. The Secretariat report notes that about 30% of tariff lines are duty free and 52% have rates below 10%. These are remarkable 
figures. 
4.200.  However, the Secretariat report says that the tariff of Chinese Taipei is relatively complex 
w i t h  a  m u l t i p l i c i t y  o f  r a t e s .  W e  h o p e  e f f o r t s  w o u l d  b e  m a d e  t o  m a k e  t h e  t a r i f f  a s  s i m p l e  a s  
possible. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.201.  Services remain the biggest sector of the economy of Chinese Taipei accounting for some 
66% of GDP. In line with the importance of serv ices in the economy, Chinese Taipei has made 
specific commitments on some 120 subsectors of services. 
4.202.  To conclude, the delegation of Oman is impr essed with the economic progress of Chinese 
Taipei, with its commitment to the multilateral trading system and with its policy of pursuing an 
open and liberal trade and investment regime. 
GUATEMALA 
4.203.  We recognize the efforts deployed at the policy level, such as the amendments to the 
Customs Law, reforms the tax system, land regulation, the services sector and the health system, structural reforms under its economic power-up plan, the implementation of the free economic 
pilot zones plan, as well as the involvement of the private sector in infrastructure projects. The 
foregoing will enhance Chinese Taipei 's development and positioning. 
4.204.  Chinese Taipei's macroeconomic policies are designed to create an efficient and 
internationally competitive economy. Its budgetary situation is robust. As pertains to foreign 
currency reserves, in 2012 they were the sixth largest in the world, standing at over 
US$400 million. 
4.205.  We recognize the competitive advantages in the information technology manufacturing 
industries, which will enable it to further develop this sector and boost trade. 
4.206.  Its trade policy of integration into the world economy through its participation in 
international bodies and trade agreements have made active rapprochement with a number of trading partners. 
4.207.  Chinese Taipei is a very important bilateral trading partner and we have had a free trade 
agreement in force since 2006. Guatemala's exports have increased by 24.2%, moving from US$13.6 million in 2006 to US$61.9 million in 2013. Between 2001 and 2006, imports from 
Chinese Taipei increased by 22.7% from US$50 million to US$141 million. 
4.208.  Finally, Guatemala wishes that the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu will continue to garner successes in terms of economic growth, development and 
technological innovation by implementing its economic and trade policies. 
4.209.  We are convinced that we will continue to build trust, strengthening ties of trade and 
friendship and working tirelessly to expand our strategic alliances in regional and subregional forums. 
DOMINICAN
 REPUBLIC 
4.210.  In this its third trade policy review, we wish to congratulate Chinese Taipei because, 
despite being seriously affected by the world economic crisis, as its economy relies heavily on 
exports, and having grown only 2.1% in 2013, Ch inese Taipei remains one of the world's most 
important economic and trading entities. Indeed, as  stated in the Secretariat Report, in 2012 it 
ranked 19th in the world in terms of the size of its GDP on a purchasing-power parity basis and was 
the 18th largest exporter and 18th largest importer. At the end of 2012, Chinese Taipei held the 6th 
largest reserves of foreign exchange in the world and ranked 35th in terms of its cumulative stock 
of outward foreign direct investment (FDI). 
4.211.  Clearly, economic growth in Chinese Taipei is heavily dependent on exports of goods and 
services, which are equivalent to some 73% of GDP. The sharp drop in global demand owing to the 
2008-2009 world economic crisis exposed the vulner ability of Chinese Taipei associated with its 
dependence on a few manufactured exports, prompting the authorities to seek new engines of 
economic growth and diversify the economy. The Secretariat Report therefore rightly points out 
that an economic hard landing in China, the de stination for around 27% of exports, could have 
significant repercussions on the economy. Henc e, the authorities should seriously consider 
diversifying export products and markets. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.212.  In this regard, we welcome the fact that the Government has formulated a programme of 
economic reforms, which include: signing free trade agreements; reforming its taxation, land regulation, the services sector and health system; liberalizing cross-Straits economic policies and pursuing structural reforms notably the Economic Power-Up Plan and the launch of the Free 
Economic Pilot Zone Plan. 
4.213.  We see that by and large Chinese Taipei's trade policy has not changed much since its last 
review, but we note with satisfaction that in trade facilitation, Chinese Taipei has made 
improvements by establishing a single window  system to speed up customs clearance, and 
introduced an authorized economic operator scheme to facilitate procedures for traders meeting certain requirements. 
4.214.  Moreover, there have been a number of change s in the realm of intellectual property 
rights: the Copyright Act was amended in 2010 and 2014, the Copyright Intermediary 
Organization Act was amended in 2010, the new Trademark Act went into force in 2012, the Patent Act was most recently amended in 2014, an d amendments were made to the Trade Secrets 
Act in 2013. The authorities have been striving to shorten the examination process for patents. On 
enforcement, cases involving imported commodities  infringing trademarks and copyright seem to 
have been declining. 
4.215.  We further wish to mention that services remain the biggest sector of the economy: 
accounting for about 66% of GDP and 59% of employment. The telecommunication sector expanded rapidly at an annual average rate of 20% during the review period, roughly ten times 
the GDP growth rate. Total revenue from the sector accounted for about 3% of GDP in 2013. The 
tourism sector has also been developing fast, and is one of the government-designated key 
emerging industries for boosting economic de velopment. In 2012, there were 7.3 million 
international travellers, an increase of 20% over 2011. We congratulate the authorities of 
Chinese Taipei on these impressive results. 
4.216.  Finally, it only remains for us to urge Chinese Taipei to continue its process of economic 
reforms. 
NICARAGUA 
4.217.  Nicaragua is encouraged to observe the econom ic achievements of Chinese Taipei since its 
last trade policy review in 2010, more specifically, the major economic advances achieved based on the internationalization of its economy, which has enabled it to weather the recent world crisis 
successfully. 
4.218.  Bilaterally, Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei maintain strong ties of friendship and solidarity, 
which is proof of this country's confidence in the performance of the Government of Reconciliation 
and National Unity of Nicaragua, in wh ich the people are the leading player. 
4.219.  Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei have concluded a number of agreements and understandings 
providing for support and cooperation programmes in the agro-industrial, institutional and public 
security fields amongst others, and which have helped create infrastructure in the interior of our 
country. 
4.220.  The signing of the free trade agreement be tween both countries lent dynamism to 
Nicaragua's exports to that Asian country over the six years for which the agreement has been in 
force. 
4.221.  Trade between Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei continued to increase, growing at an annual 
rate of 26.7% over the 2010-2013 period. The positive trade balance in 2013 was worth 
US$43.7 million, having grown by 74.2% over the 2010-2013 period. 
4.222.  Similarly, between 2010 and 2012, foreign dire ct investment (FDI) by Chinese Taipei 
abroad also rose sharply, moving from US$70 million in 2010 to US$14,449.6 million, an increase 
of 20,542.3%, with most of the investment going to free zones, trade and services, fisheries, 
industry and tourism. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  4.223.  The amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) originating in Chinese Taipei in 2013 was 
US$36 million, having surpassed the US$14.4 million recorded in 2012; most of the FDI went into the industrial sector, followed by the trade, services and tourism sectors. 
4.224.  My delegation recognizes Chinese Taipei as a Member that respects WTO rules and 
disciplines and is committed to the multilateral trading system and to the Doha Round 
negotiations. 
INDIA 
4.225.  India has a strong trade and investment partnership with Chinese Taipei, which has 
expanded steadily in recent years. India’s trade with Chinese Taipei was more than US$6 billion last year, compared to less than US$2 billion in 2004. A number of Chinese Taipei companies have their presence/projects in India, and they continue  to expand their operations. While our bilateral 
trade and investment ties have expanded in recent years, there is significant potential to expand 
these further, and we look forward to working with Chinese Taipei in further strengthening our bilateral economic ties.   
4.226.  We welcome Chinese Taipei’s participation and commitment to the multilateral trading 
system. We have noted efforts made by Chinese Taipei to navigate its economy through turbulent global economic situation pursuant to 2008-2009 global financial crisis, and continuing with 
domestic reform process. As a result of effective trade and investment policy and other reform 
measures undertaken by Chinese Taipei, its econom y has registered positive GDP growth rate in 
the last four years.    
4.227.  We have noted the conclusion of FTAs by Chinese Taipei with Singapore and New Zealand 
a s  w e l l  a s  c o m p l e t i o n  o f  t w o  o f  t h e  f o u r  f o l l o w  u p  a g r e e m e n t s  w i t h  C h i n a  ( i n  i n v e s t m e n t s  a n d  
trade in services), pursuant to its signing of Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement in 2010. 
We look forward to their notification once domestic legal procedures have been completed by the 
parties concerned.   
4.228.  We look forward to Chinese Taipei delegation’s comments on points raised by distinguished 
discussant, Ambassador Remigi, as well as Members in the course of this review, and wish them 
productive and successful TPR.   WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINESE TAIPEI AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
Introduction  
5.1.  First of all, on behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Chair, the discussant and Members for 
your inputs to this trade policy review. I would also like to thank the Secretariat for the 
professionalism they have demonstrated in prep aring the report and the sessions on Tuesday and 
today. 
5.2.  The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Peng hu, Kinmen and Matsu stands firmly behind 
the multilateral trading system and strongly supports trade liberalization. In that spirit, we have achieved significant trade liberalization since our accession to the WTO. Nevertheless, we come to this trade policy review with the goal to further enhance the transparency of our trade policy and 
to seek feedback from all Members. We apprecia te very much the insightful and constructive 
comments in writing from Ambassador Winzap and from more than 30 Members on Tuesday. Your comments have helped us identify several salient issues. Let me take this opportunity to respond 
to a few common themes. 
5.3.  I would like to start by appreciating Members' recognition of our efforts in pursuing the 
openness of our economy despite of the 2008 global financial crisis. Such recognition is a great 
encouragement for us to continue our work. 
Macroeconomy  
5.4.  Trade is vital to our economy. As Members pointed out, exports account for more than 70% 
of our GDP, and according to WTO statistics, ou r trade-to-GDP ratio reached an average of 141% 
between 2010 and 2012, denoting our close link to the global economy. We will continue to 
integrating ourselves into the global economy by en gaging in further trade liberalization. We will 
also develop policies to upgrade industrial structure and to expand domestic demand so as to cope 
with the ever-changing global economic situation. 
Multilateral trading system  
5.5.  As I mentioned earlier, we are a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system. It is our 
belief that multilateral trading system is still an important and indispensable avenue for global 
trade liberalization. Therefore, we will continue to work closely with all WTO Members, on the basis of Bali Package, towards the conclusion of Doha Round negotiations. We will also actively engage in negotiations of the expansion of Information Technology Agreement, Trade in Service 
Agreement as well as environmental goods and services. 
5.6.  Several Members mentioned our active participation in the negotiation on the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement negotiation on Tuesday. In order to support the early entry into force by 
actual action, we have notified our Category A commitments under Trade Facilitation Agreement 
on 26 June this year which will be implemente d upon entry into force of the Agreement.  
Furthermore, we have assisted Viet Nam, the United Arab Emirates and Tanzania in their 
self-assessments regarding their capacity of im plementation. With the expectation to a joint 
implementation of the agreement, we will contin ue to share our experiences about implementing 
trade facilitation measures with Members in the future. 
Regional economic integrations 
5.7.  As I mentioned on Tuesday, regarding our work in pursuing regional economic integration, 
we have had substantial achievements over the past four years. Today, I would like to use ANZTEC, which is our economic cooperation agreement with New Zealand as an example to 
illustrate the concrete effect of regional economic integration in facilitating trade. 
5.8.  Since the entry into force of ANZTEC last December, our bilateral trade with New Zealand has 
increased by 17.3% in the first two quarters of this year compared to the same period last year. 
This figure shows that participating in regional economic integration can enhance our trade with 
trading partner and help us diversify our trade among different markets. We will continue to seek WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  opportunities to participate in regional economic integration lowering the risk of being overly 
dependent on one single market. 
Unilateral liberalization 5.9.  Some Members suggested that we undertake unilateral liberalization to create better 
conditions for economic development. I would like to confirm that unilateral liberalization is one of 
the priorities on our economic agenda. Among all of our unilateral liberalization measures, the "Free Economic Pilot Zones" (FEPZs) clearly drew the attention of many Members on Tuesday. 
Today, I would like to further explain the contents of our FEPZs policy. 
5.10.  Within the FEPZs, we adopted a number of liberalization measures that will create 
substantial business opportunities for both domest ic and foreign FEPZ enterprises. Comparing the 
FEPZs with the export processing zones and science industrial parks, FEPZs enjoy a higher level of 
liberalization. The export processing zones and science industrial parks target on manufacturing 
industries while FEPZs target on high value-a dded service industries with deregulations and 
institutional reform as major promoting measures in order to create a more favourable 
environment for business. On the basis of FEPZs, we  will continue to explore the possibilities of 
broadening the extent of trade liberalization. 
Investment  
5.11.  On Tuesday, several Members addressed the importance of a conducive investment 
environment. In the past four years we have continuously reviewed our laws and regulations in hopes of making the Separate Customs Territory  of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu a more 
attractive destination for foreign direct investment. Let me briefly mention just a few investment 
incentives. 
5.12.  First of all, the corporate income tax rate has been lowered and tax credit can be applied to 
corporate R&D expenses to encourage companies to  engage in high-end innovation activities. 
Furthermore, we have already opened our market  to investment from mainland China, eased 
capital restrictions for financial enterprises, simp lified procedures for establishing a company as 
well as for foreigners coming to reside and work in the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and relaxed restrictions on technical personnel from mainland China 
coming to us in order to improve the environment for doing business. 
5.13.  I n  t h e  p a s t  f o u r  y e a r s ,  w e  a l s o  d e r e g u l a t e d  a  c o n s i d e r a b l e  a m o u n t  o f  l i m i t a t i o n s  o r  
restrictions in service sector to foreign investors. In addition, in order to facilitate the current 
approval process for FDI, we are amending our procedure on approving foreign investment. After 
the amendments take effect, prior approval of the ma jority of foreign investment will no longer be 
required. Instead, it is estimated that about 80% of foreign investments will only have to be 
notified to the competent agency which will grea tly increase the efficiency of the FDI approval 
procedure. 
5.14.  As I mentioned on Tuesday, our protections on intellectual property rights have also been 
significantly strengthened which made our inve stment environment even more predictable and 
investor-friendly. After seeing wh at we have achieved so far, I believe foreign investors will be 
more confident in investing in our economy. 
Development of service sector 
5.15.  Service sector is the major contributor of our economy, accounting for more than 70% of 
our GDP. We put great significance on service sector and have undertook measures that can 
further the development of our service sector. Currently our service sector is already quite 
liberalized and WTO-consistent. Despite that, we are still actively looking for rooms for further 
liberalization. Let me elaborate our development in service sector with a few cases.   
5.16.  With regard to telecommunication services, we have taken measures to cope with the trend 
of digital convergence. One of our goals is to construct a high speed broadband network with a 
universal coverage. As of last December, the coverage of fixed line household 100 Megabytes per second broadband network surpassed 97%, and all remote areas now have access to 2 Megabytes WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  per second broadband service; currently we are up grading broadband service in remote areas from 
2 Megabytes to 12 Megabytes per second. 
5.17.  For broadcasting services, we also launched the digital switchover initiative to promote the 
viewing rights of and to provide greater choice fo r the viewing public, as well as to provide greater 
convenience for cable television service provider s to provide communication and network services. 
The digitization of terrestrial television was completed in June 2012 and that of cable television is over 60% by this year. 
5.18.  With regard to financial services, we have continued working to spur the growth of our 
financial markets. Among the measures taken toward this end, for instance, are the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) by our financial sector and listed companies from 2013 and the implementation of the Basel III rule s, which is in line with international norms. 
While deregulating and taking liberalization measures, our financial authority also stresses legal 
compliance and self-regulation and puts great emphasis on international principles of financial supervision. 
5.19.  Certain Members expressed their concerns regarding market access of our maritime 
transport services. Currently, the WTO has not set up general rules on maritime transport services. However, we will address Memb ers’ concern under bilateral context. 
5.20.  We also noticed the concerns expressed by some Members regarding sub-sectors in 
professional services such as legal services and accounting services. These concerns mainly related to the requirements for foreign lawyers or accountants to practice in the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Kinmen, Penghu and Matsu which are domestic regulation measures. I would 
like to confirm that the concerned measures are all in line with the GATS rules regarding domestic 
regulation. 
Agriculture  
5.21.  Several Members made comments on agriculture issues. We attach great importance to 
agriculture as the foundation of food security, rural development and environmental protection. 
Therefore, we are of the view that it is vital to take necessary policies and tools, including tariffs in 
the boarder and domestic support. The measures are implemented based on our accession 
commitments and in accordance with WTO rules. 
5.22.  Having said this, facing the challenges of joining regional economic integration with high 
ambition and results of Doha Round negotiations, we have been reviewing the relevant policies 
and measures. By doing so, we wish to be well-prepared for further liberalization and to ensure 
the sustainable development of agricultural and farmers' interests. 
5.23.  Several Members also commented on the structur e of our tariff schedule, especially on the 
alternate duties we adopted for certain agricultural products. Since our accession to the WTO, the 
customs has imposed alternate duties or specific duties on certain agriculture products, and lowered the customs tariffs on some of these products according to our commitments to the 
accession of WTO. 
5.24.  In order to simplify our Customs tariffs, we have considered about imposing ad valorem  
duty to replace alternate duty on certain agricu lture products. We have amended nine lines of 
agriculture and fishery products which currently adop ted alternate duty in our draft revision of our 
Customs Import Tariff in July this year. We will continue such practice in the future according to 
our need of trade development. 
SPS and TBT 
5.25.  Several Members have commented on our SPS and TBT measures. Since we acceded to the 
W T O ,  w e  h a v e  m a d e  e v e r y  e f f o r t  t o  c o m p l y  w i t h  o u r  o b l i g a t i o n s  u n d e r  t h e  S P S  a n d  T B T  agreements. In the past four year, such goal is still priorities in our trade policy. 
5.26.  Currently, we completely abide by the transparency requirements of the SPS and TBT 
agreement, notifying in advance all our SPS and TBT measures that may affect international trade WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  to the WTO barring emergencies. In the future, all our new and updated measures will be given a 
comment period of 60 days to all WTO Members whenever possible. We also adopt international standard when applicable international standards exist. 
5.27.  Some Members also showed their concerns regarding our review of import applications of 
meat and meat products. I would like to reiterate that our risk assessments are all based on 
scientific evidence, which is no different from th e practices taken by other Members. Taking into 
a c c o u n t  o f  t h e  n e e d  o f  r i s k  m a n a g e m e n t ,  t h e  r e v i e w  o f  i m p o r t  a p p l i c a t i o n s  o f  m e a t  a n d  m e a t  
products are based on the standards of OIE and Codex, relevant international regulations, and the 
principles of the SPS Agreement and without any pr ejudice. We will communicate closely with the 
applicants in order to facilitate the review process. 
Conclusion  
5.28.  I hope I have answered most of your questions raised on Tuesday. And we will respond to 
written questions submitted after the deadline in 30 days. 
5.29.  Finally, on behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, 
I would like to express my sincerest appreciation again to Madame Chair, our discussant, 
Ambassador Winzap, and Members for your question s, comments and feedback. Let me also thank 
the interpreters for their hard work. Tomorrow we will leave Geneva with a better understanding of 
how we have performed under the multilateral tradin g system over the past four years. With this 
understanding, I am sure we will be able to contribute more to the success of the WTO. Thank you very much. 
DISCUSSANT 
5.30.  I would like to thank Vice Minister CHO and all your delegation for the hard work put into 
this TPR and for providing high quality answers to the questions of Members. Your open and 
constructive attitude during the whole process of this exercise has allowed Members to learn and 
take profit from your experiences.  
5.31.  In general terms, my take is that Members ar e positive about Chinese Taipei's trade policy. 
They acknowledge the hard work undertaken by your Government since the last TPR. Vice Minister 
CHO, you mentioned on Tuesday your belief that (I quote) "through our ongoing dialogue, we will 
foster a stronger mutual understanding and togeth er build a healthier and more liberalized global 
economic environment". This is, in my view, exactly what this TPR contributed to. There have been questions aimed at improving Member's understandi ng on your trade policy and there were also 
suggestions on issues where Members still see possible room for further improvements. 
5.32.  Members have highlighted Chinese Taipei's good  overall economic performance and its open 
and export-oriented economy. The steady growth and the quick recovery from the 2008-2009 
global economic crisis have been underlined as signs of a solid and resilient economy.  
5.33.  It is no big surprise for such an important economic and trade entity that most or even all 
Members who took the floor on Tuesday expressed th eir appreciation for the fruitful bilateral ties 
they enjoy with Chinese Taipei, although some mentioned that there is still scope for 
improvements in terms of balance or diversification of their bilateral trade relations with Chinese Taipei.  
5.34.  The Trade arrangements and Trade agreements of  Chinese Taipei are of great interest to 
the Membership. In particular in respect of ECFA, Members are interested to see how you continue 
the implementation of the Trade in Services ag reement and the mechanism for resolving disputes 
that might arise from the interpretation, implementation and application of the ECFA follow-on 
agreements. 
5.35.  Reforms, which you Vice Minister CHO, have presented are very welcome. In particular the 
policy of "Four Transformations of Three Industries" that you described with more detail on 
Tuesday, as well as the simplification of customs procedures. Many Members mentioned positively 
the introduction of a single-window system, which will improve the clearance and release of goods 
at the border. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  5.36.  Other reforms are also seen as important steps in the right direction, even if Members also 
expressed the need to sometimes go further, for in stance by looking at the possibility to build on 
the benefits of the "Free Economic Pilot Zones" in order to implement economy-wide reforms.  
5.37.  There have also been reforms in areas like IPR, where Members acknowledged important 
legislative progress, but where further improvemen ts in respect of enforcement would still be 
welcome. 
5.38.  In their statements and through their questions, Members also voiced several concerns on 
some of the trade policy measures of Chinese Taipei which have not been very different than the 
ones expressed at the last TPR, already. Let me quote here from my fellow discussant at Chinese Taipei's TPR four years ago: 
5.39.   "... we heard critical messages about the remaining barriers in its investment regime and 
some services sectors, Government's excessive direct involvement in the key sectors of economy, 
different forms of assistance measures, stalled privatization, complexity of the tariff structure and high tariffs, notably on the agricultural products". While Members recognized that some headway 
has been done in some of those areas, they also  emphasized that many of these challenges still 
remain. I would, therefore, suggest that Chinese Taipei gives due considerations to those issues in the future.  
5.40.  Furthermore, I have heard from Members that al though there is progress in your regulatory 
regime and procedures, it would help trading relations substantially if Chinese Taipei would improve its alignment with international norms and standards and thus gain in predictability. SPS issues are of particular importance to some Members, but technical barriers and onerous 
requirements in Chinese Taipei were also mentioned. 
5.41.  Some of the challenges which I identified in my presentation on Tuesday have also been 
taken up by other Members, in particular the risks inherent to Chinese Taipei's dependence on 
exports mainly in a limited number of sectors as well as the suggestion to work on a domestic 
environment more conducive to foreign investment. 
5.42.  A striking element in your endeavour, and th at of many Members today, is the need to 
balance an increased trade opening with a public opinion getting more and more sceptical about 
the benefits of trade liberalization for them, individually. Furthermore, you face a specific challenge on the political acceptance at home of enhancing cross-strait economic and trade relations. These challenges are very real and we do understand that your Government has to give some 
consideration to them. Nonetheless, Chinese Taipei is following its path of opening and reforms 
and I believe that we can for sure comme nd the government for its perseverance. 
5.43.  Last, but certainly not least, we heard Members' unanimous recognition of the positive role 
that Chinese Taipei plays in the WTO and for the multilateral trading system. Members also 
specifically mentioned the constructive engagement of Chinese Taipei regarding the revision of the 
GPA, the extension of ITA, the negotiation of an  Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) as well as 
the Trade in Services agreement negotiations. Delegations welcomed the involvement of Chinese 
Taipei in the Trade facilitation negotiations and the timely notification of all TF-provisions as category A commitments.  
5.44.  Let me close by thanking Chinese Taipei to have chosen me as the discussant and to wish 
you well for the next four years, four years with plenty of challenges, but hopefully with a lot of 
success too. 
PAKISTAN 
5.45.  Chinese Taipei is one of the world's leading economies and trading nations reflected by the 
fact that its GDP ranked 19th in the world. The ec onomy is highly reliant on exports of goods and 
services and is at the same time the world's 18
th largest exporter and importer. Its exports are led 
by high end, high tech products including electronics, machinery and petrochemicals. Its large 
trade surplus is based on its surplus with China and it has the world's 6th largest foreign reserves. 
Services too remain the biggest sector in the economy and it has identified certain services sector as "key" industries as the main focus for further development. Its telecommunications sector has WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
- 40 - 
 
  expanded rapidly, roughly ten times than of the GDP growth rate. However, the Secretariat report 
notes that it appears to have been unable to sufficiently counter developments like excessive concentration on ICT, relatively low value added and insufficient product innovation. It also exposes the economy to global fluctuations, which is also reflected in its dependence on imports 
for manufacturing due to a limited resource base. 
5.46.  Chinese Taipei possesses a vast development potential attributable to high competitiveness. 
It has also initiated further economic reforms including reforms to its taxation, services sector, 
health system and land regulation, with further liberalization of cross-Straits economic policies, the 
Economic Power-up Plan, FTAs and the Free Economic Pilot Zone Plan. Another remarkable feature of Chinese Taipei economy is its out bound FDIs tripling that of its inward investment. 
5.47.  Chinese Taipei's tariff has remained unchanged during the period under review. It tariff has 
150 rate bands, including 86 ad valorem , 16 specific and 48 alternate rates, that makes its tariff 
complex, while its own ad valorem  duties in agriculture mask relatively high AVEs. The country 
makes use of the anti-dumping law, but has not been involved in CV or safeguard measures. The 
country has recently signed on to GPA, which is expected to add market access opportunities of 
NT$3 billion annually. Its privatization programme currently stands suspended. However, it has 
made amendments to its competition policy, also important legislative changes to the IPR-related 
legislations as it is considered to make an essential contribution to its competitiveness and for 
attracting for investment. The SPS and standards regimes have also remained largely unchanged. 
5.48.  The structure of the economy has remained unchanged since the previous review. 
Agriculture is the major recipient of Government assistance (both border protection and domestic 
support). This is largely due to heavy reliance on imported foods, and also energy imports, which 
are regulated through licensing and supported through subsidies. 
5.49.  Chinese Taipei's total fertility rate is among the lowest in the world and has the potential of 
causing future labour shortages, following domestic demand and declining tax revenues. 
5.50.  Chinese Taipei has posted very impressive economic performance and has made equally 
important strides in its trading regime. It is also an active player in the WTO besides activity in 
pursuing bilateral trade agreements.  
5.51.  We hope that while continuing to correct distortions and deficiencies in certain activities, 
Chine Taipei will continue to maintain its growth trajectory. 
UNITED
 STATES 
5.52.  The United States would like to, once again, welcome Vice Minister Cho and the entire 
Chinese Taipei team. At the outset, I want to thank them for the hard work and constructive approach to this review. 
5.53.  The United States submitted a few follow-up questions in writing to the Secretariat for 
Chinese Taipei and I just want to briefly outline them: 
5.54.  The first has to do with a question we asked about ractopamine in pork. We thought that we 
needed to clarify the question we have asked: since Codex has established a MRL for ractopamine 
in pork, and since Chinese Taipei has already conducted its risk assessment for ractopamine in pork, we would appreciate an explanation on whether Chinese Taipei would be establishing a MRL for ractopamine consistent with the obligations of the SPS Agreement, including without undue 
delay. 
5.55.  The second question has to do with whether Chinese Taipei publishes its rice quota fill rates 
by the Government and the public sector. We noted Chinese Taipei response and we thank you for 
that. We noted that the notifications do not specify the volumes imported by the Government and 
private sector separately and we would appreciate clarification on whether Chinese Taipei publishes this information on a regular basis and, if so, where. 
5.56.  Finally, we have a few follow-up questions regarding the ceiling price for rice tenders. We 
would appreciate an explanation of why the ceiling price is not announced until after the tender is WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  awarded. And in the interest of transparency, we  ask if Chinese Taipei would consider announcing 
the ceiling price to the public in instances where the tender has failed.  
EUROPEAN UNION 5.57.  The EU would like to thank the delegation of Chinese Taipei for the comprehensive replies it 
provided in advance of the meeting to a number of questions reflecting the interest the EU has in 
Chinese Taipei's trade policies and also some concerns. EU also appreciates the information heard this morning. 
5.58.  The EU and some other Members raised concer ns among issues regarding Chinese Taipei 
SPS regime. We would like to invite Chinese Taipei to address this and other concerns raised. 
5.59.  The EU also has a few follow-up questions that we have submitted to the WTO Secretariat 
and we look forward to receiving the replies in due course. 
5.60.  Concluding, the EU welcomes this review as a useful exercise for all parties and hopes that 
Chinese Taipei will take advantage of the comments raised by several WTO Members. EU would like to thank the delegation of Chinese Taipei for its constructive participation in this exercise. 
H.E.
 MR. SHIH  CHAO  CHO 
5.61.  Thank you Pakistan, the United States and the EU for your additional follow-up questions 
and remarks. These are very good comments and we will response in writing within 30 days. WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  This third Trade Policy Review of Chinese Taipei  has enabled us to improve our understanding 
of recent developments in its trade and trade-related policies as well as the challenges it now faces. The review has clearly benefited from the constructive engagement of the Chinese Taipei 
delegation, led by Mr Shih-Chao Cho, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, as well as from the 
insightful contribution of our discussant, Ambassado r Remigi Winzap of Switzerland and thirty-two 
interventions by Members. Chinese Taipei's prompt response to the large number of questions was 
highly appreciated and we look forward to any addi tional replies no later than one month after this 
meeting. Members also welcomed Chinese Taipei's adoption of the alternative timeframe for questions and answers, which allowed for a more fruitful discussion at this meeting. 
6.2.  Acknowledging the centrality of trade for Chinese Taipei's economy, Members commended 
Chinese Taipei on its continued progress towards trade and investment liberalization, further 
integration into the global economy and economic diversification. Members noted that this policy stance has been successful as evidenced by Chin ese Taipei's robust recovery after 2009 and its 
continued positive export growth in 2013 in the midst of the Eurozone debt crisis. 
6.3.  Members welcomed Chinese Taipei's unilateral liberalization efforts through the setting up of 
Free Economic Pilot Zones, further reductions of foreign investment limitations and measures to 
facilitate trade, including implementation of a single window system to accelerate customs 
clearance. Members encouraged Chinese Taipei to co ntinue its pursuit of trade liberalization as well 
as economy-wide reforms, notwithstanding the economic challenges that have arisen in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Members commended Chinese Taipei's efforts in 
implementing, during the review period, important legal reforms to improve its intellectual 
property protection, including amendments to legi slation on copyright, trademarks, patents, and 
trade secrets. 
6.4.  Members noted that Chinese Taipei's impressive, albeit rather volatile, economic performance 
during the review period has been heavily depend ent on external demand. In view of the medium 
term risks represented by external demand vola tility, Members commended Chinese Taipei on its 
efforts to diversify export markets, expand intern ational trade, facilitate inward investment and 
overcome the heavy reliance on the ICT sector . In this regard, Members also commended the 
government for identifying certain services se ctors as key areas for further development and 
diversification. 
6.5.  Members clearly valued Chinese Taipei's commitment and constructive engagement both in 
multilateral and plurilateral trade liberalization initiatives: this includes active participation in the DDA, GPA and trade facilitation negotiations, as well as those on the expansion of the ITA, trade in 
services agreement and the liberalization of environmental goods. 
6.6.  Members also noted Chinese Taipei's active engagement in bilateral and regional economic 
integration, signing RTAs with China, New Zealand and Singapore during the review period. Noting 
that the economy of Chinese Taipei has become increasingly linked with China, through 
negotiations under the ECFA, several Members wi shed for further detailed information regarding 
the current status of the follow-up agreements of  the ECFA. Members expressed their appreciation 
of Chinese Taipei's work and support in the ar eas of aid for trade and trade related technical 
assistance. 
6.7.  Notwithstanding the reforms and achievements highlighted by this review, Chinese Taipei 
faces challenges in a number of areas. The delegation of Chinese Taipei has addressed most of 
these issues in its final remarks or written replies. I would now like to highlight some areas in 
which Members consider further improvements could be made: 
• Free economic pilot zones:   Some Members noted that Chinese Taipei is experimenting 
with unilateral trade liberalization by establishing Free Economic Pilot Zones (FEPZs), and 
encouraged Chinese Taipei to expand the benefits of the FEPZs across the territory. 
• Foreign investment regime:   Although inbound foreign investment remains low by 
regional standards, Members welcomed Chinese Taipei's progressive reduction of limitations 
on foreign investors under the Negative List for Investment by Foreign Nationals. Members WT/TPR/M/302 • Chinese Taipei 
 
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  emphasised the need for continued progre ss by Chinese Taipei in improving the 
transparency and predictability of the investment review process. 
• Tariffs:   As was the case at the time of the previous review, the tariff structure remains 
rather complex, involving a multiplicity of rates and Members encouraged Chinese Taipei to 
simplify it so as to help bring more predicta bility to trade and provide greater transparency 
for traders. 
• TBT and SPS measures:   Members urged Chinese Taipei to improve the alignment of its 
standards and technical requirements with international standards, to simplify certification 
and testing requirements, and streamline conformity assessment procedures.  Members also asked Chinese Taipei to ensure that it notifies its TBT and SPS measures to the WTO at the draft stage, and that sufficient time is given for other Members to comment and for these 
comments to be taken into consideration. 
• Agriculture:   Members drew attention to the fact that agriculture continues to be a major 
recipient of government assistance, includin g domestic support and border protection. 
Members noted that the tariff schedule has barely changed since the last Review in 2010, 
and that the average tariff for agriculture is much higher than that for non-agricultural products. Members requested information on fuel subsidies for agriculture and fishing, 
considering such subsidies as a source of distortion in primary production. Members also 
noticed that tariff quotas on some agricultural products have remained consistently under-filled, and encouraged Chinese Taipei to revi ew the necessity of maintaining these tariff 
quota restrictions.  Members also encouraged Chinese Taipei to improve the scientific basis 
for measures governing trade in agricultural products and the testing and inspection regime 
at the border. 
• Services:   Given the importance of services to the economy, Members encouraged Chinese 
Taipei to continue opening up its economy, in particular its services sector and remove trade 
barriers that are still in place through inter alia relaxing market access conditions.  
6.8.  This successfully concludes our third review of Chinese Taipei. The substantial number of 
advance questions and the many interventions are testimony to the important role Chinese Taipei 
plays in the WTO. In conclusion, it is clear that Members acknowledge Chinese Taipei for the progress it has made since the last review and I am sure that the current exercise will help Chinese Taipei in further reviewing the directio n and substance of its trade and trade-related 
policies. 
6.9.  Finally, let me thank the Chinese Taipei delegation for their efforts and dedication to this 
exercise, the discussant for his comments and Members for contributing to what has been an 
informative and enlightening two days of discussions. 
__________