WT/TPR/M/377  
7 December 2018  
(18-7730) Page: 1/43 
Trade Policy Review Body  
12 and 14 September 2018   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN , PENGHU , KINMEN AND MATSU 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMA RKS BY THE CHAIRPERS ON ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT  BY THE REPRESENTATI VE OF THE SEPA RATE CUSTOMS 
TERRITORY OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU  ................................ .................  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEM BERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  11 
5  REPLIES BY THE RE PRESENTATIVE OF THE SEPARATE CUSTOMS TER RITORY OF 
TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINM EN AND MATSU AND ADD ITIONAL COMMENTS  ........................  36 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  42 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  are reproduced in 
document WT/TPR/M/ 377/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review (TPR) of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu,  Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei) was held on 12 and 14  September  2018. 
The Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin), welcomed the delegation of Chinese Taipei, headed 
by Ms  Mei Hua Wang, Vice -Minister of Economic Affairs; the rest of the delegation; and the 
discussant, H.E.  Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen (European Union).  
1.2.  The Cha irperson recalled the purpose of Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of the 
procedures for the meeting. The report by Chinese Taipei was contained in document WT/TPR/G/377 
and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/377.  
1.3.  Questions by the following d elegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Iceland; the European Union; Singapore; Hong Kong, China; China; the United States; 
Ukraine;  Japan; Australia; Guatemala; Canada; Switzerland; New Zealand; Brazil; and 
the Kingdom  of Saudi Arabi a. The following delegations had submitted written questions after the 
deadline: Colombia; Thailand; El Salvador; Argentina; Honduras; the Republic of Korea; and 
the Philippines.  
1.4.  During the previous TPR meeting in 2014, Members had praised Chinese Taipei f or its continued 
progress towards trade and investment liberalization, further integration into the global economy, 
and economic diversification. Since then, its relatively strong fundamentals and well -developed 
outward -looking economy had helped to mainta in macro -financial stability and ensure the resilience 
of its export -led economy. For the current review, Members had sought, through their advance 
questions, further information on measures to promote trade -related structural reforms, in particular 
in the  labour market, as well as features related to the resilience and outward orientation of the 
economy.  
1.5.  Members also recalled that, at the time of the previous review, they had commended 
Chinese  Taipei for its efforts to reduce inbound investment limitations  and had emphasized the need 
for continued progress in improving the transparency and predictability of the investment review 
process. Since that previous review, Chinese Taipei had further reduced its negative list for foreign 
investment. As indicated by the advance written questions, Members wanted to learn more about 
future amendments to the legal framework for inbound investment, investment incentives and 
facilitation services. Additionally, questions had been posed about the implementation of various 
strategies, updates on RTA developments, and measures to improve the business environment.  
1.6.  With regard to trade policy, at the time of the previous review, Members had expressed 
satisfaction over Chinese Taipei's unilateral liberalization efforts, measures to facilitate trade, and 
IPR-related legal reforms, and had encouraged Chinese Taipei to continue its pursuit of trade 
liberalization as well as economy -wide reforms. They had, inter alia , urged further improvements in 
respect of tariffs, and TBT and SPS m easures. During the present review period, although the general 
thrust of trade policy had remained relatively unchanged, there had been developments in areas 
including trade facilitation, tariffs, contingency measures, SPS, government procurement, 
competi tion policy, and IPRs. At this review, in their advance written questions, some Members had 
expressed interest in learning more about developments in certain areas, including trade facilitation, 
contingency measures, export assistance, production and trade  incentives, standards and 
SPS requirements, competition policy and IPRs.  
1.7.  Regarding sectoral issues, Chinese Taipei's agriculture sector had continued to attract a great 
deal of interest. During the previous review, Members had noted the high level of publ ic assistance, 
asked questions about subsidies provided, and suggested that Chinese Taipei evaluate the need to 
maintain tariff quotas. In the context of the present review, questions had been posed regarding a 
number of areas, including Chinese Taipei's i mport substitution and new agricultural policy 
objectives; support to farmers; increases in the Total Aggregate Measurement of Support; and 
price-based special safeguards.  
1.8.  The Chairperson drew Members' attention to some additional areas where Members were 
interested in having more clarity. These included: illegal fishing and logging activities; 
energy -related targets and incentives; manufacturing issues; financial services regulatory WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  and market access issues; and, issues relating to marketing, market access  and subsidies in 
the tourism sector.  
1.9.  This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson looked 
forward to a fruitful and ca lm exchange.  
  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SEPARATE CUSTOMS  
TERRITORY OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU ( MS. MEI HUA WANG ) 
2.1.  Good morning everyone. It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to lead this quadrennial 
delegation to Geneva, and renew our discussions over the past four years with distinguished 
Members on the economic and trade policies of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu.  
2.2.  Since 1995, the WTO Trade Policy Review has proved to contribute  significantly on the 
transparency function of the WTO. It has served as a great tool for increasing mutual understanding 
between WTO Members. Members who go through the rigorous preparation process of review benefit 
the most from it. We would like to than k the WTO Secretariat and Members for all the efforts involved 
in the process.  
2.3.  On behalf of my g overnment, I thank all of you for participating in our fourth Trade Policy 
Review. We appreciate the distinguished discussant, Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen, for his 
proactive efforts to enrich our discussions today. Ambassador Eloi Laourou (Chair of the TPRB) has 
been very kind in advising us on how to prepare for this meeting, and we are very confident of his 
leadership.  
2.4.  When Director Alfaro and his team visited Taipei last April, we arranged for them to meet with 
about 250 representatives from more than 40 agencies. Their tireless efforts are duly reflected in 
the detailed and insightful report. However, we have noticed that some descriptions in the report 
could perhaps be more precise. We will therefore submit our suggestions for modifications to the 
Secretariat after the meeting.  
The Global Economy and Trading System  
2.5.  Mr. Chairman, the economic situation of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen  and Matsu remains robust, particularly with the sustained rebound since 2016. However, 
numerous challenges still lie ahead. Being a free and open economy, our prosperity relies on the 
well-functioning of an open and inclusive multilateral trading system. Thus, it is crucial for us that 
the WTO remains the central pillar to the global trading system.  
2.6.  Thus, we, as M embers that drive the WTO , should maximize our efforts to make sure that its 
rules are constantly updated to stay relevant to the evolution of te chnologies and trade patterns. 
With growing criticism among trade skeptics, the WTO needs to effectively answer the call to ensure 
that free trade benefits all.  
2.7.  In this context, we are willing to work with all Members to revitalize the WTO. As a first step , 
we should ensure that the dispute settlement mechanism continues to function properly. We also 
support the call for mor e effective WTO supervision of M embers in implementing their agreement 
obligations. We worry that lengthy negotiations without progress  will make WTO agreements 
inflexible, obsolete and unproductive. Thus, we stand ready to work with all WTO M embers to 
promote necessary reforms, and make concrete contributions towards strengthening WTO functions.  
Economic and Trade Policies  
2.8.  Now let me tur n to our trade policy agenda. First of all, preserving and advancing a rules -based 
multilateral trading system is the top trade policy priority of the Separate Customs Territory of 
Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. We continue to support the WTO by activel y participating in 
the regular work of committees and councils. We also firmly support the elimination of subsidies that 
contribute to IUU fishing, as well as the promotion of e -commerce.  
2.9.  On regional trade integration, we are following c losely the developm ents of the Comprehensive 
and Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnersh ip (CPTPP ). We have endeavoured  to align 
our laws and regulations with CPTPP provisions, by introducing several legislative amendments. In 
addition, as a genuine supporter of th e concept of “open regionalism,” we have played a proactive 
role in the Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The latest priorities of our work in APEC 
range from digital economy, MSME globalization, gender equality, and reducing food losses, etc . WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  2.10.   To enhance our integration into the South and Southeast Asian region, my g overnment has 
started implementing the New Southbound Policy since 2016. This new strategy has consolidated 
the efforts of all levels of governments, private enterprises and civil society in their regional 
outreach. It aims to develop a new model of economic development by strengthening cooperation 
and linka ges with members in the region.  
2.11.   On industrial policy, w e focus on accelerating the development of digital economy and 
domestic green energy to improve our industrial structure and resilience. The proportion of domestic 
electricity generated by renewable energy is expected to increase from the current 5% to 20% by 
2025. Green energy development will shape the future of our environm ent and economy by adding 
new investmen ts and increasing employment.  
2.12.   To accommodate the needs for long -term economic development, industrial renovation and 
balanced regional development, my g overnment launched the Forward -looking Infrastructure 
Development  Program  in 2017. The p rogram me focuses on green energy, digital infrastructure, 
water environment construction, urban and rural projects, railways, human resources, employmen t, 
child care, and food safety.  
2.13.   In addition to modernizing infrastructures, we co nducted several regulatory reforms during 
the review period to build a business -friendly environment. For example, we have relaxed a number 
of regulations on insurance and securities, introduced a patent linkage system, reformed the income 
tax system, and passed the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals to 
attract foreign talents, among other efforts.  
2.14.   Our digital economy agenda has gradually come to form. For example, the Fintech regulatory 
sandbox came into force this year. The a pplication is now open for innovative entrepreneurs who 
meet the criteria to apply for an experimentation period of up to three years.  
2.15.   We have extended the public comment period for new regulations to 60 days as a minimum, 
and a user -friendly website (htt p://join.gov.tw) was established for tracking proposed regulatory 
amendments a nd for submitting comments. We are committed to safeguarding democratic values 
in our public policy, and are very proud to be ranked number one in the Global Open Data Index, 
which track s the state of open government data.  
Future Outlook  
2.16.   To become a competitive economy in this world, several areas in our domestic arena are in 
need of  improvement. Agriculture is a one of those areas as well as one of our most sensitive 
subjects. Nevertheless, our experience of WTO accession 15 years ago has proved that the sky did 
not fall as many have worried. With the joint efforts of the g overnment and farming societies  in 
areas such as technology innovation, quality improvement, and marketing enforcement, our 
domestic agricultural output has actually steadily increased. During this time, consumers have also 
enjoyed a wider choice of quality imported  agricultural products. This provides us with confidence to 
pursue ambitious trade agreements with other agricultural  powerhouses, like New Zealand.  
2.17.   As I mentioned at the beginning, external trade is highly important to the Separate Customs 
Territory of Ta iwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. We remain committed to maintaining the core 
values of the WTO by continuing our support for the development of multilateral trade, and helping 
other Members integrate into the multilateral trade system.  
2.18.   As a major beneficia ry of economic globalization, we are keen to give back and contribute to 
the international community. We are always ready and willing to give support to Aid -for-Trade and 
other types of assistance for developing country members, and work with them to achie ve the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals.  
Conclusion  
2.19.   We have received over  400 written questions from 22 M embers, of which the 202 questions 
submitted before the official deadline have been carefully answered in writing. You are all very 
welcome to raise ad ditional or follow -up questions during or after this meeting. We would especially WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  like to express our appreciation to the United States and the European Union for raising the most 
number of questions. We believe that questions and critiques are the be st driving force for progress.  
2.20.   This concludes my statement. Thank you again for participating in our Trade Policy R eview. 
We very much look forward to your feedback.  
  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  Please a llow me to welcome the Head of d elegation of Chi nese Taip ei, Vice Minister, 
Ms. Mei Hua Wang, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and my appreciated colleague Dr. Cyrus Chu and 
his team here in Geneva.  
3.2.  I thank the WTO Secretariat for the usual high -level and comprehensive Report and Chinese 
Taipei for its Report that both form the main basis for my comments today.  
3.3.  As is also customary, pl ease let me recall that as the d iscussant for this review, I am sp eaking 
entirely on my own behalf.  
3.4.  Having said that, I would like to thank Chinese Taipei for  the opportunity to act as the 
discussant for the Trade Policy Review of a very active Member, in terms of its constructive 
participation in the work of this Organi zation. Chinese Taipei has taken part in several plurilateral 
initiatives like ITA, EGA, GPA and TiSA. It plays an active role in ongoing Doha -related negotiations 
and supports the Buenos Aires Joint Initiatives and declarations. I would  like to pay tribut e to 
Chinese  Taipei's attachment to the rules -based multilateral trading system, especiall y in the 
challenging times the Organiz ation is going through.  
3.5.  As a demonstration of its dedication to t he transparency pillar of this Organization, 
Chinese  Taipei ha s chosen alternative timelines for its T rade Policy Review that has allowed me and 
the Members to review the replies to the written questions in advance of this meeting and thus to 
contribute to more interactivity and transparency of this exercise. This re view serves as an important 
addition to the already strong record of notifications of Chinese Taipei to the WTO (although nothing 
is perfect and there are some outstanding notification obligations in the area of subsidies and 
incentives, notably the pendin g up to -date notification on domestic support to  agriculture).  
3.6.  I would like to organiz e my substantive remarks with some general observations on the 
economic situation and overall trade policy of Chinese Taipei. I will then focus on the key changes 
since t he previous TPR in 2014 as well as the main trade -related challenges, as highlighted in the 
Members' questions as areas of interest. The great interest and importance that WTO Members 
attribute to Chinese Taipei's trade policies and practices is c learly de monstrated by over 
400 questions submitted by 22 Members.  
3.7.  As to the overall economic situation, the Secretariat report notes that the relatively strong 
fundamentals and well developed, well diversified and outward -looking economy of Chinese Taipei 
have hel ped to maintain macro -financial stability and resilience. Despite some concerns related to 
innovation  and labour, Chinese Taipei has maintained its position among the world's most 
competitive economies while registering a slight decline in income inequalit y. In this context , I would 
like to note that Chinese Taipei has a level of prosperity as measured by GDP per capita of 
US$25  980, which is well comparable to that of many developed members of the OECD.  
3.8.  During the review period, average annual GDP growth for the period 2014 -2017 stood at 2.3%, 
which is a slowdown compared to previous years. However, in the first half of 2018, the economy 
has showed a strong performance of GDP expanding by 3.2 %. The unemployment rate hi t the 
lowest level in 18 years with 3 .6%.  
3.9.  Chinese Taipei remains open to international trade and is well integrated into the world 
economy and global value chains. It maintains a well -developed infrastructure, an educated 
workforce, and a pro -business attitude while benefiting from a geograp hically strategic location. Its 
trade policy continues to be based on the premise that trade openness, innovation, connectivity, 
and economic performance are strongly linked. It continues to pursue a combined unilateral, 
bilateral, regional and multilatera l approach to trade policy. Chinese Taipei has currently RTAs in 
force with nine economies; those entering into force during this review period were RTAs with 
Singapore and New Zealand, covering goods and services, and a cooper ation agreement with 
Paraguay . 
3.10.   International trade and inbound direct investment trends reflect the continuous importance 
of Asia Pacific as Chinese Ta ipei's main market and supplier  with China, Japan, the United States 
and the European Union remaining its major individual trading par tners and China as the biggest WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  export destination. Goods  exports hit a historic record of US$163 billion  in the first half of the year 
with machinery and mechanical appliances, including IT products, remaining the major exports. 
China has also remained the  biggest outbound investment destination (47%) for Chinese Taipei. The 
growing integration of those two economies is therefore striking, notwithstandi ng regular political 
tensions.  
3.11.   Chinese Taipei continues to offer non -reciprocal preferences to all LDCs and as a major 
beneficiary of economic globalisation itself, it is willing and ready to contribute to Aid for Trade and 
other assistance initiatives by making financial and other forms of contributions and as sistance to 
developing country M embers, as well as  to related WTO agencies.  
3.12.   As one Chinese proverb says: "The leaves of the tree are many, but the root is one. When the 
root is firm the branches flourish ". I think we can all commend Chinese Taipei for achieving such a 
good foundation that will bring succ ess and sustainability of its policies in the longer term.  
3.13.   Both r eports note that during the review period, several trade and trade -related structural 
reforms were undertaken and a number of reform initiatives have been adopted to boost the 
economy and im prove competitiveness, which - according to the World Economic Forum's 2017 -2018 
Global Competitiveness Index – slipped somewhat. This brings me to the second part of my remarks 
– the key developments since the last TPR in 2014, an d there have been quite a  few. 
3.14.   Chinese Taipei has implemented the development plan (2013 -2016) whose objective was to 
accelerate structural adjustments and relax regulations. Now, key policies, namely the development 
plan for 2017 -2020 and the "5+2" Industrial Innovation Plan are being implem ented to accelerate 
the economy's innovation.  
3.15.   The New Southbound Policy was launched to provide an overarching framework for the 
development of a new and comprehensive relationship with additional partners in the Asia –Pacific 
region and to boos t links with partners in this region.  
3.16.   The Forward -looking Infrastructure Development Progra mme, launched in 2017 with a 
30 year horizon , aims to build the infrastructure needed for Chinese Taipei's development.  
3.17.   During the review period, one other key legi slative achievement was the Financial Technology 
Development and Innovative Experimentation Act, which came into force on 30 April 2018, 
introducing the so -called "financial supervision sandbox system" to encourage financial technology 
innovation.  
3.18.   An ambi tious energy reform programme aims, inter alia , to increase the share of locally 
produced renewable energy in the total energy mix to 20%, to transition to cleaner energy, and to 
end nuclear power generation by 2025. Tax reform, labour market reform, and f isheries 
management reform, as  reported in both r eports, should also be flagged as relevant deve lopments 
since the last review.  
3.19.   Turning now to the trade and investment regime and trade policy measures and practices, 
since the last Trade Policy Review, the general thrust of the investm ent and trade policy of 
Chinese  Taipei has actually remained unchanged. While no unilateral liberalization has been 
undertaken, there have been policy developments in certain areas such as trade facilitation, 
competition policy , intellectual property rights, tariffs, preferential trade agreements, sanitary and 
phytosanitary requir ements, and public procurement.  
3.20.   Many of these areas have been of interest to the 22 Members that have posed advance 
questions to Chinese Taipei. Allow me to highlight some that seem to have attracted most of the 
interest – and sometimes also concern – by the Membership.  
3.21.   Improving investment and business climate has been a recurrent theme in b oth of the 
previous TPRs where  Chinese Taipei has been encoura ged to reduce high public sector involvement 
in the economy and address regulatory concerns of foreign investors. I have seen again a number 
of questions from Members on this theme also at this review.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  3.22.   Since the previous review, there have been not many c hanges to the legal framework. 
However, the authorities have been conducting a comprehensive re -evaluation of the current draft 
amendments and have indicated that consideration is being given to removing the pre -investment 
screening/review requirement and replacing it with a post -investment registration mechanism.  
3.23.   As a positive development, Chinese Taipei's negative list containing investment prohibitions 
and restrictions has now been amended to allow overseas investment in ship leasing services and 
the cu ltivation of certain agricultural crops. New measures have also been taken to foster greater 
public participation in policy formulation through the establishment of an online public policy platform 
and the introduction of deadlines for responses by the pub lic sector to stakeholder comments.  
3.24.   During the review period, Chinese Taipei's trade facilitation developments included the 
ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015, the adoption of amendments clarifying 
relevant legislation (Customs A ct), further integration of online operations with the Customs Port 
Trade Single Window, and the introduction of expeditious customs clearance services. However, 
harbour dues for overseas routes remain 60% higher than for domestic routes. Average time to 
process goods is almost 6 days from arrival to removal of goods for sea cargo. According to the 
World Bank Doing Business data index, in 2017 , Chinese Taipei stood 55th out of 190 economies in 
the ease of trading across borders, which is quite a bit lower t han where it stood in 2013 when it 
stood at rank 18 instead of 55 .  
3.25.   According to the World Economic Forum, in 2015 the most problematic factors for importing 
in Chinese Taipei were mainly: tariffs and non -tariff barriers; high cost or delays caused by 
international and domestic transportation; burdensome import procedures; and domestic techni cal 
requirements and standards.  
3.26.   These issues have often been referred to in Members' questions, such as on further alignment 
of standards and technical requirements wit h international standards, simplifying certification and 
testing requirements, streamlining conformity assessment procedures, plans for tariff structure 
simplification, expansion of the scope of export prohibitions, and duty and tax concessions and 
incenti ves. 
3.27.   One area that has again received considerable attention by Members – and some expressions 
of concern – is the sanitary  and phytosanitary regime. The r eport notes that during the review 
period, the main laws and regulations affecting food standards and  specification have basically 
remained the same.  
3.28.   Members have raised questions on the consideration of international standards when 
establishing restrictions on imports from countries with animal disease; regulatory measures to 
improve food safety of loca lly produced food items; delays on issue of sanitary certificates for 
unprocessed imported foodstuffs; restrictions on certain imports of beef and poultry products and 
procedures for establishing maximum residue limits, to name a few. Reportedly, Chinese T aipei's 
slow process for establishing minimum residue levels for pesticides, the low level of approved MRLs, 
and zero tolerance policy for pesticides without established MRLs have resulted in incoming 
agricultural shipments being stopped at the ports of entry. So me Members have invited 
Chinese  Taipei to notify its SPS measures to the WTO at the  draft stage and ensure that sufficient 
time is given to submit comments and for those comments to be taken into consideration later on .  
3.29.   Maybe Chinese Taipei could share its thinking on these SPS issues and any plans to expedite 
and sim plify procedures an d practices?  
3.30.   Turning finally to sectoral policies, while Members have shown considerable interest in 
developments in the financial services sector , as well as in the energy -related incentives and 
subsidies and initiatives against illegal, unreported and un regulated (IUU) fish ing, the call for more 
liberaliz ation in agricultural policy and measures has remained at the foref ront of many Members' 
concerns.  
3.31.   Chinese Taipei's objectives for the agricultural sector are set out in its New Agricultural Policy, 
adopt ed in December 2016. The overall aim is reportedly to create a multi -functional agricultural 
sector, rather than merely providing subsidies, as in the past.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  3.32.   The average applied MFN tariff for agricultural products was 17.8% in 2018. Thirty tariff lines 
had rates over 100%, mainly as a result of the tariff lines with out -of-quota rates. Special safeguard 
measures were taken several times during the review period. During Chinese Taipei's previous 
review, it was observed that there had been a notable increase  in price -based special safeguards 
since 2013; this tendency is also reflected in the current review period.  
3.33.   And there have been several other areas of interest from Members, such as competition policy, 
privatization plans, enhancing further IPR legislati on and enforcement, and public procurement.  
3.34.   Chair, some of the challenges observed at the last TPR four years ago persist today.  
3.35.   One of them is the shrinking of the labour force, although ongoing technological upgrading is 
expected to maintain productivi ty gains. The labour force challenge is one that a growing number of 
WTO Members face and needs to be addressed through various means, including life -long learning. 
After all, as another Chinese saying goes: "If you are planning for a year, plant rice. If you are 
planning for a decade, plant trees. If you are planning fo r a lifetime, educate people".  
3.36.   Sustained growth in the highly competitive region of Asia depends on implementing 
productivity enhancing structural reforms, especially those aimed at the shif t of the economy from 
industry to services, with a greater focus on raising quality value added.  
3.37.   Chinese Taipei has several challenges to tackle. However, and I herewith conclude, Chair, 
everything I have read and heard in the context of this 4th Trade Po licy Review so far, suggests that 
authorities are taking these challenges seriously and Chinese Taipei is setting for itself the goals to 
do so. I trust that in five years' time at the 5th TPR , the WTO M embership will be able to take stock 
of further pr ogress made by Chinese Taipei. Thank you.  
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.1.  Chinese Taipei is an active Member of the WTO. The EU wishes to commend Chinese Taipei for  
its support to the Organiz ation and for the good work that the Permanent Representative  of Chinese 
Taipei to the WTO and his great team are delivering in Geneva, including the contribution to our 
cultural education with the wonderful calligraphy and orchid exhibitions. We would be interested, if 
time allows, hearing about Chinese Taipei's vi ews on how to modernize the WTO.  
4.2.  Chinese Taipei's economy is vibrant. Unemployment is very low. The economy is very much 
trade -orientated (the ratio of trade to GDP is 117%) which entails certain risks when the main 
trading partners face difficulties as de tailed in the WTO Secretariat report and this is why the 
authorities have taken several initiatives to diversify and to modernize the economy, for example 
with the labour market reform, or the measures aimed at attracting foreign talent. Further 
informatio n on the impact of these reforms is of interest to the EU.  
4.3.  Chinese Taipei also tries to diversify and expand its business opportunities overseas with 
several FTAs in force since the last review, namely with Singapore and New Zealand and a 
cooperation agree ment with Paraguay. Chinese Taipei is also actively pursuing the new Southbound 
Policy. We would appreciate further insights from Chinese Taipei about the objectives and the results 
of this initiative.  
4.4.  Regarding the reforms undertaken durin g the review period, which the d iscussant has 
described, improvements have also been brought for example with establishment of an online public 
platform allowing the public to inquire of the progress of amendments to regulations and submit 
comments or the extension of the deadlines for comments on draft legislation. We would also like 
to stress that the recent notification of the "transparency measures" under the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement is very welcome and shows the commitment to transparency of the authorities.  
4.5.  The EU and Chinese Taipei entertain very good relations that go beyond our share of Chinese 
Taipei's external trade and investment. Our relationship is based on common interests in an open, 
free and fair rule -based international trading system. We have had s everal occasions, including very 
recently in June, to deepen our relations with discussions on a number of topics including investment, 
intellectual property rights, technical barriers to trade and SPS measures. Given our good bilateral 
understanding we ha ve limited the number of questions during this TPR (but I note from the opening 
statement of Chinese Taipei that we still made to the top in this regard). We concentrate on major 
difficulties that operators continue to face and which were the subject of th e Chair's conclusions at 
the last review.  
4.6.  For example, while the EU appreciates Chinese Taipei's recent progress for opening its food 
market to EU products, we remain concerned about the very  lengthy and cumbersome authoriz ation 
procedures which take many years. We also ca ll on Chinese Taipei to recogniz e systematically the 
concept of regionalisation in line with the WTO SPS Agreement. Regarding Organics, we have 
recurrently raised the difficulties that importers face, such as a limited and unclear unilater al 
recognition of equivalency, limited recognition of certification bodies and strict ex post controls. We 
look forward to discussing with Chinese Taipei and to find solutions to these problems.  
4.7.  Regarding procurement, the EU welcomes Chinese Taipei's adopt ion of the most advantageous 
tender approach for large procurement and professional construction contracts. The EU encourages 
further improvements such as the extension of the approach to lower value procurement projects 
and the expansion of the coverage o f the GPA to all six main municipalities. The capacity of EU 
operators to bid efficiently would also be greatly enhanced if publications of calls were made 
sufficiently in advance and in English.  
4.8.  On agriculture, we note that the last Chair conclusions rema in valid and we would also 
appreciate if Chinese Taipei could inform us of its state of preparation of the notifications that remain 
due. 
4.9.  On IPR, the EU would call on Chinese Taipei to continue its efforts on enforcement.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.10.   Finally, we would like to thank Ch inese Taipei for using the alternative timeline and we wish 
Chinese Taipei a very productive 4th review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.11.   Over the years, economic relations between Singapore and Chinese Taipei have grown from 
strength to strength. Chinese Taipei was Singapore’s 6th largest trading partner in 2017, with 
bilateral trade amounting to S$60.4 billion, which was a 14.9% increase over 2016. As of end -2016, 
Singapore companies have cumulatively invested S$7.6 billion in Chinese Taipei, making Chinese 
Taipei the 10th larg est investment destination in Asia for Singapore. Conversely, Chinese Taipei was 
Singapore’s 6th largest source of investments from Asia as of end -2016, with a cumulative value of 
S$16.4 billion.  
4.12.   Economic cooperation spans a diverse range of sectors, incl uding high -tech manufacturing, 
banking, infrastructure, as well as retail and food services. Chinese Taipei’s report for this TPR cites 
several steps that Chinese Taipei is taking to pursue industrial refor m and to also create a 
business -friendly environme nt to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Singapore welcomes these 
developments and looks forward to the further strengthening of mutual economic cooperation.  
4.13.   The entry into force of the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory 
of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP) in 2014 marked a significant 
milestone in Singapore’s economic relations with Chinese Taipei. Among its benefits, ASTEP provides 
preferential tariff access for exporters, and improved marke t access for services providers from both 
sides. ASTEP also strengthens cooperation and exchanges of best practices between both sides on 
areas such as intellectual property, e -commerce and competition. These create an environment that 
boost the confidence  of businesses and investors from both sides. We are optimistic that ASTEP will 
continue to bolster the existing strong ties betw een our business communities.  
4.14.   As also noted by the Secretariat in its report, the openness of the Chinese Taipei economy to 
international trade and its integration into the world economy and global value chains are reflected 
in the steadily high ratio of its trade in goods and services to GDP. Chinese Taipei has ratified the 
TFA and made its Category A notification; Chinese Taipei  has also accepted the revised GPA, and 
will fully implement the final bound rates relating to the ITA expansion by 2021. We note from the 
report that an up -to-date notification on domestic support in agriculture is pending, and we urge 
Chinese Taipei to d o so promptly.  
4.15.   At the WTO, Chinese Taipei has played an active and constructive role in negotiations and in 
the work of the various committees, including sharing with WTO Members various ideas and research 
papers of topical interest. Singapore looks forwar d to continuing our warm and close cooperation 
with Chinese Taipei and its Mission to the WTO led by Permanent Representative Dr . Cyrus Chu, to 
uphold the rules -based multilateral trading system. We wish Chinese Taipei every success for this 
TPR. 
HONG  KONG , CHINA  
4.16.   Hong Kong, China (HKC) has a close trade and economic relationship with C hinese Taipei.  
Chinese Taipei was HKC’s 3rd largest trading partner in goods in 2017 and our 6th largest trading 
partner in services in 2016.  
4.17.   During the review period, C hinese  Taipei has continued to undertake trade and trade -related 
structural reforms by accelerating systemic adjustments and relaxing regulations; and has 
maintained its position as one of the world's most competitive economies.  
4.18.   Regarding trade in services, we appreciate in particular that requirements for foreign 
professionals have been relaxed with respect to visa s, employment, residence, etc. Access to the 
securities market has also been facilitated by, inter alia , streamlining  of procedures of account 
opening and lifting of limits on mar gin purchases and short sales. As the services industry continues 
to be the driving force of CT’s GDP and employment (with their respective contributions at about 
60%), we encourage C hinese Taipei to consider further liberalising its services trade regime to 
attract foreign direct investment .  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.19.   Regarding trade in goods, C hinese Taipei has all its tariff lines bound, and mo st rates are 
levied ad valorem.  Nonetheless, its tariff structure still cons ists of specific rate s and alternate rates. 
We would encourage simplificati on to enhance predictability.  
4.20.   During the review period, C hinese Taipei has continued to implement variou s trade facilitation 
measures. For instance, the Customs -Port-Trade (CPT) Sin gle Window had further integrated inter -
agency business services and s implified clearance procedures.  In addition, more businesses had 
been granted authorised economic operator status.  
4.21.   Meanwhile, protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) has also b een strengthened 
through legislative amendments in the areas of patents, trademarks and copyrights, including 
certain alignments  with international practices. Further work on trade secrets and copyrights is in 
progress. Chinese Taipei has also enhanced enf orcement of IPRs through action plans, an inter -
agency coordination taskforce, and educational activities.  
4.22.   We note, however, the concerns about copyright protection highligh ted in the Secretariat 
Report. More specifically, there has been a huge amount of s tream ripping and illegal downloading 
activities supported by non -hosted websites and websites offshore; copyright protection is relatively 
short-term; and the penalties fo r violation have been relaxed. We encourage C hinese Taipei to take 
more proactive ef forts to improve its copyright regime.  
4.23.   Agriculture, although accounting for only 1.7% of C hinese Taipei’s GDP, continues to be a 
major recipient of government protection and assistance, through measures such as inbound 
investment res triction and domestic s upport. The average applied MFN tariff for agricultural products 
stands high at 17.8%, compared to the 5.1% for non-agricultural goods.  Indeed, 30 tariff li nes have 
rates exceeding 100%. We encourage C hinese Taipei to step up  its effort in further liberali zing its 
agricultural sector.  
4.24.   We note that C hinese Taipei has submitted up -to-date agriculture -related notifications to the 
WTO except those regarding domestic support required under Article 18:2 of  the Agreement on 
Agriculture. We urge C hinese Taipei to submit timely notifications for transparency and an effective 
review of its implementation of commitments.  
4.25.   Looking ahead, HKC will continue to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with C hinese 
Taipei. 
4.26.   We thank C hinese Taipei for their timely respo nse to our questions, and wish the delegation 
a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHINA  
4.27.   Chinese Taipei is one of the global important economic and trading entities. Its economic 
growth slowed down during the period under review due to the sluggish recovery of global economy 
and the fact that market demand is yet to pick up. Meanwhile, by pursuing the vision of openness 
in its trade policy, improving trade facilitation measures and upgrading the business environment, 
Chinese Taipei’s competitiveness has continued to improve, and significant growth has been 
achieved i n its trade volume after 2017.  
4.28.   Since the previous review, the momentum has been maintained in terms of the close economic 
and trade interchanges across the Strait. In the field of trade, a ccording to China’s Customs 
statistics, the trade volume across the Strait in 2017 was US$199.39 billion, increased by 11.3% 
compared with the same period of last year. Our exports to Chinese Taipei reached US$43.99 billion, 
and imports from Chinese Taipei  reached US$155.4 billion. During the period under review, the 
cross-strait trade status remained unchanged. Chinese Taipei is our seventh biggest trading partner, 
and we are the biggest trading partner, biggest export market and biggest source of trade su rplus 
of Chinese Taipei. In terms of investment, according to statistics of the Ministry of Commerce of 
China, as of June 2018, authorized investors from Chinese Taipei  have actually invested 
US$67.1  billion in an accumulative total of more than 100,000 pr ojects in Mainland China, 
maintaining the second place in terms of total overseas investment accumulatively absorbed by 
Mainland China. While 417 enterprises from M ainland China have invested US$ 2.5 bill ion in 
Chinese  Taipei.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.29.   Although the volumes of trade  and investment cross -strait continued to grow during the period 
under review, we also note the imbalance reflected by the above -mentioned statistics in economic 
and trade cooperation. Our trade deficit with Chinese Taipei reached US$111.41 billion in 2017  and 
a huge gap also exists in investment. The amount of investment made by enterprises from Mainland 
China in Chinese Taipei only amounts to 3.7% of the investment made by investors from Chinese 
Taipei in Mainland China. The important reason for this shar p contrast is that Chinese Taipei has not 
accorded us the same trea tment as accorded to other WTO M embers. Its market is much less open 
to investors from the Mainland China vis -a-vis its high level of openness to other WTO M embers. In 
addition, discriminat ory measures still remain in t rade, investment and services.  
4.30.   In the fiel d of trade, as the Secretariat r eport states that, in 2018, apart from 91 prohibited 
products on an MFN basis, additional prohibitions apply to direct cro ss-strait imports of some 
2,333 tariff lines (HS 10 -digit) by Chinese Taipei, which includes more than 1,300 industrial products 
and over 900 agricultural products.   
4.31.   With regard to investment and services, Chinese Taipei adopts a positive list for investors 
from Mainland China which d esignates the sectors that mainland investment may enter, and only 
51% of service projects and 51% of public construction projects were open to investors from 
Mainland China. Restrictive measures including high threshold for market access, differentiated 
treatment, burdensome approval formalities and so -called security review are still imposed in the 
services sectors that have been liberalized. These factors have prevented the potentials in  
cross-strait economic and trade cooperation from being further tapp ed and particularly hindered the 
economic development of Chinese Taipei itself.  
4.32.   We call upon Chinese Taipei to fully implement its WTO commitments, rectify its trade policies 
and practices inconsistent with the WTO rules, eliminate discriminatory measures  targeted against 
us and guarantee that we enjo y equal treatment as other WTO Members, so as to promote 
cross-strait trade exchanges and economic cooperation in a fair and open manner with win -win 
outcomes.  
4.33.   We will also submit some follow -up questions aft er today’s me eting and expect Chinese Taipei  
to provide replies in due course.  
4.34.   The Trade Policy Review Mechanism is one of the major functions of the WTO, the operation 
of which will strengthen the multilateral trading system. We would wish this TPR smooth  and 
successful.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.35.   The United States is pleased to wel come the distinguished Head of d elegation Ms. Wang with 
those visiting from Taipei, and to acknowledge Dr. Cyrus Chu and the team here in Geneva durin g 
this Trade Policy Review TPR of Chinese Taipei. We acknowledge the thanks and mention of many 
questions from the U.S., and note that the shoe will be on the other foot in just three months when 
the U.S. will be under review.  
4.36.   As the Secretariat notes in i ts report, Chinese Taipei’s openness to international trade and 
integration with the global economy has resulted in a high ratio of trade  in goods and services to 
GDP. Chinese Taipei continues to play an active role in the WTO and has adopted strategies de signed 
to bring Chinese Taipei’s trade policies in line with its goals.  
4.37.   The United States and Chinese Taipei continue to have strong and dive rse trade and 
investment ties. Chinese Taipei is currently the United States’ 11th largest goods trading partner 
with US$68.2 billion in total (two  way) goods trade during 2017. Trade in services with Chinese 
Taipei (exports and imports) totalled an estimated US$17.9 billion in 2017. Top U.S. exports to 
Chinese Taipei in 2017 include machinery, elec trical machinery, an d aircraft.  Chinese Taipei remains 
our 7th largest agricultural export market with US$3.3 billion in exports of agricultural products in 
2017.  
4.38.   Chinese Taipei has been an active and positive partner in multilateral and plurilateral tra de 
liberalization init iatives. Since 2010, Chinese Taipei has positively participated in the WTO 
Agreement on Government Procurement and has implemented its commitments under the revised WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  GPA. Additionally, in 2015, Chinese Taipei ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement an d the 
Information Technology Agreement.  
4.39.   The United States commends Chinese Taipei on efforts it has made over the past four years 
to liberalize its trade and investment regime and further int egrate with the global economy.  For 
instance, in December 2017, C hinese Taipei passed amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act 
that establish an effective mechanism for early resolutio n of potential patent disputes.  We now look 
forward to swift implementation. Furthermore, beginning in 2016, Chinese Taipei implement ed a 
requirement that all draft regulations or revisions of existing regulations must provide a 60 -day 
notice and comment period. This is very welcome.  
4.40.   The United States would also like to highlight areas that we b elieve need greater attention. 
We remain c oncerned about Chinese Taipei’s failure to remove unwarranted restrictions o n pork and 
beef market access. The United States is also concerned by the growing backlog of applications for 
the establishment of maximum residue  levels to ensure food safety. We urge Chinese Taipei to use 
science -based international standards and practices and to resume timely issuance of approvals.  
4.41.   In other areas, the United States encourages Chinese Taipei to more thoroughly examine 
international standards and to avoid creating technical and sanitary or phytosanitary barriers to 
trade that disc ourage imports and investment. The United States also observes a need for sustained 
progress by Chinese Taipei in improving the transparency and predictability of the investment review 
process. And pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers continue to face challenges, 
including delays in introducing new products to the market, and non -transparent pricing and 
reimbursement policies.   
4.42.   On these and other issues, the United States will co ntinue to engage with Chinese Taipei 
across the forums and initiatives that we have established in order to further break down trade 
barriers and strengthen our economic ties.  
4.43.   In closing, we look forward to reviewing and discussing Chinese Taipei’s respons es to our 
advanced written questions – thank you for all the efforts to respond - and look forward to a positive 
and constructive Trade Policy R eview.  
UKRAINE  
4.44.   As a Member of Article XII Members Group, Ukraine highly values the effective partnership 
coopera tion with Chinese Taipei across the WTO bodies on trade issues of mutual interest. We 
acknowledge active and initiative engagement of Chinese Taipei in the ongoing work and multilateral 
negotiations of the WTO on the number of elements within the current a genda; e -commerce, fishery 
subsidies to name a few.  
4.45.   In 2017 the trade turnover between Ukraine and Chinese Taipei amounted to US$277 million , 
while trade in goods has reached US$270 million  and trade in services was around US$7 million . 
Ukraine trades with Chinese Taipei ferroalloys, timber, sunflower seed oil, mineral products, flat 
rolled steel and pipes, mineral fertilizers, motorized vehicles etc.   
4.46.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions seekin g 
clarifications on a range of the following topics, in particular:  
• trade and investment regime;  
• "New Agric ultural Policy" ; 
• Trade Promotion Service Fee;  
• Sanitary and phytosanitary measures;  
• financial and tourism services;  
• intellectual property protection of medical and pharmaceutical inventions;  
• Financial Technology Development and Innovative Experimentation Act , etc. 
4.47.   We would like to express our gratitude for the responses provided, which we have carefully 
reviewed. In this regard, we would also like to u se this review to seek further clarifications on the 
application procedure for the recognition of a disease -free zone within the territory of an exporting 
Member.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.48.   In conclusion, I would like to express our appreciation to the delegation of Chinese Taipei a nd 
especially to the team of the Mission of Chinese Taipei to the WTO in Geneva for their significant 
work in preparing for this TPR.  
4.49.   Ukraine wishes the delegation of Chinese Taipei a successful Trade Policy Review and looks 
forward to strengthening mutual ly beneficial trade relationship.  
JAPAN  
4.50.   We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the dedicated efforts made by Chinese 
Taipei and the WTO Secretariat to prepa re the reports shared with the M embers in advance of today's 
review. I would also lik e to add that we are satisfied with the answers provided by Chinese Taipei to 
our written questions, which included useful information on existing rules in areas of interest to us 
such as the construction sector.  
4.51.   Japan and Chinese Taipei have developed str ong economic ties for many years. This is 
supported by the fact that Chinese Taipei is the fourth largest trading economy for Japan in 2017.  
4.52.   First of all, we truly appreciate the dedicated efforts made by Chinese Taipei for further 
liberalization of its ec onomy through means such as: a slight reduction of the MFN tariff rate; 
enhanced transparency supported by notification to the WTO; and promotion of trade facilitation 
measures, including adoption of the TFA in 2015. We expect Chinese Taipei to facilitate continuous 
efforts for supporting an open and transparent multilateral trading system.  
4.53.   According to the Secretariat report, Chinese Taipei is facing a major slowdown in its economic 
development during this review period. Its annual GDP growth rate was 2.3%  from 2014 to 2017, 
which is significantly lower than the 4.3% growth rate it achieved from 2002 to 2013. As Chinese 
Taipei is heavily dependent on exports in its economy, we believe it is important to further promote 
trade and trade -related structural ref orms in order to strengthen its competitiveness in the global 
market.  
4.54.   To this effect, we welcome the active participation of Chinese Taipei in the WTO’s initiatives 
for future rule making, such as the Joint Statement initiatives on electronic commerce addr essed in 
MC11. We further welcome the efforts made by Chinese Taipei to submit notifications to the WTO in 
order to maintain the transparency of its market. According to the Secretariat report, however, 
notification on domestic support in its agricultural sector is not up to date. We strongly encourage 
Chinese Taipei to make the necessary update without delay. In addition, we welcome Chinese 
Taipei’s active participation in the global market through pursuing RTAs with many economies.  
4.55.   Japan does also have so me concerns with regard to Chinese Taipei’s trade policies. 
Specifically, we have strong concerns regarding the import ban on food exports from five Japanese 
prefectures after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in 2011. Seven years hav e 
already passed since the accident, and many WTO members have either eliminated or eased such 
regulations. We are aware, however, that Chinese Taipei has strengthened its import ban by 
introducing the ad ditional labelling standard of "prefecture of origin " for all foods from Japan since 
2015. Although we understand the importance of food safety, we strongly request that such 
measures be reviewed and improved. We are also strongly concerned by the high tariffs imposed by 
Chinese Taipei in the agricultural s ector.  
4.56.   In conclusion, we are convinced that Chinese Taipei can continue to play a significant role in 
the global economy through further liberalization of its trade and investment environment. We look 
forward to maintaining close cooperation between our tw o economies, Japan and Chinese Taipei, 
and wish Chinese Taipei a successful and productive TPR.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.57.   Chinese Taipei remains an important trading partner for Australia. Australia’s supply of 
resources and primary products to Chinese Taipei, and the sig nificant  value of Chinese Taipei’s 
high-technology exports to Australia, continue to underpin our economic relationship.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.58.   In 2017, Chinese Taipei was Australia’s eighth -largest merchandise export  market, importing 
close to AU$ 9 billion of Australian natura l resources, agricultural, lifestyle and other products. In the 
other di rection, Australia imported AU$ 4.4 billion worth of merchandise imports from Chinese Taipei 
in 2017 – including comput ers, motorcycles and bicycles. Two-way goods trade grew by over 10 % 
in 2017.  
4.59.   Tourism and education -related travel to Australia from Chinese Taipei remain strong. As a 
result, the two -way services trade between the two economies has grown to AU$ 1.8 billion in 2017, 
and Chinese Taipei is now Australia’s 14th l argest services export market. Australia is pleased that 
the bilateral working holiday -maker arrangement continues to be popular among young travellers 
from Chinese Taipei. Australia welcomes recent efforts by Chinese Taipei to encourage the 
movement of fo reign professionals, students and youth entrepreneurs to Chinese Taipei by relaxing 
access restrictions and moving toward mutual recognition arrangements in some sectors.  
4.60.   Two-way foreign investment between Australia and Chinese Taipei is expanding. In 201 6 
Australia’s Macquarie Capital ann ounced it will be investing AU$ 1 billion in Chinese Taipei in offshore 
wind power. This contributed to overall Australian investment stock in Chi nese Taipei rising to 
8.2 billion in 2017. Chinese Taipei -based companies ar e significant investors in several Australian 
sectors, including mining, agriculture, banking an d food and beverage industries.  Despite these 
encouraging signs, there is still significant room for growth.  
4.61.   Australia welcomes ongoing effort s by Chinese Taipe i to liberaliz e its regulatory settings 
affecting investment, financial services and the banking sector. Chinese Taipei may wi sh to consider 
further liberaliz ation to encourage innovation, domestic investment and higher investment returns. 
Measures could i nclude: relaxing caps for insurance companies investing in overseas infrastructure; 
allowing insurance companies to lend to green finance; and enabling employee -choice and privately 
managed pension funds.  
4.62.   Like Ch inese Taipei, Australia recogniz es the impo rtance to our economies of open, 
competitive and transparent public procurement. We thank Chinese Taipei for its support for 
Australia’s accession to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and look forward 
to working with Chinese Taipei on this important committee.  
4.63.   Australia welcomes efforts by Chinese Taipei to boost regional economic and trade 
cooperation, including through its New Southbound Policy. Such regional engagement presents 
opportunities for Chinese Taipei and Australia to deepen their economic and people -to-people 
linkages, includi ng in the agricultural sector.  
4.64.   We note that despite Chinese Taipei’s intention to pursue liberalization in the agricultural 
sector, there has been minimal change to the tariff schedule since the last rev iew in 2014. Australia 
understands Chinese Taipei’s motivations - under its New Agricultural Policy - to reinvigorate its own 
agricultural sector and improve self -sufficiency, rather than merely providing subsidies. However, 
Australia encourages Chinese Ta ipei to consider reducing existing subsidies and support to 
uncompetitive agricultur al enterprises.  
4.65.   In its report, Chinese Taipei has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the core values of 
the WTO, and its support for the development and expansion of multilateral trade. Australia 
continues to work closely with Chinese Taipei on MC11 joint statem ent initiatives, including on 
e-Commerce, services domestic regulation, MSMEs and women’s economic empowerment. Australia 
also welcomes Chinese Taipei’s 2016 ra tification of the  Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.66.   Australia commends Chinese Taipei’s strong record of notifications to the WTO, but notes that 
its domestic support notification is currently outstanding and encourages Chinese Taipei to submit 
this in a timel y manner.  
4.67.   During the review period, Chinese Taipei has also participated actively in plurilateral fora 
including APEC, the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), and the Trad e in Services 
Agreement (TiSA).  We note Chinese Taipei’s efforts to identify discrepancies between its own policy 
settings and the standards required by plurilateral trade agreements. These efforts have led Chinese 
Taipei to undertake beneficial internal work to review and liberalize its regulatory systems. While WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  recogniz ing the ob stacles, Australia encourages Chinese Taipei to take further steps towards 
unilateral trade and investment liberalisation wherever possible.  
4.68.   For this review, Australia has submitted a number of questions. We thank Chinese Taipei for 
the answers provided.  
4.69.   We wish Chinese Taipei  a successful and constructive Trade Policy R eview.  
GUATEMALA  
4.70.   In accordance with the report provided by the Secretariat, we have observed that, since 
Chinese Taipei's last trade policy review, the situation in the different areas of it s macroeconomy 
has remained positive, owing to the implementation of sound measures to boost economic growth.  
4.71.   It is also important to note that, during this review period, Chinese Taipei ratified the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation, and has sought to devel op measures to promote the effective 
implementation of this Agreement.  
4.72.   In order to give comprehensive support to the innovation and development sector, and to 
small and medium -sized enterprises, Chinese Taipei has continued not to impose taxes on outgoing 
merchandise, and has preserved tax concessions, grants and contributions that facilitate the 
integration of these sectors into new trade markets.  
4.73.   Manufactured goods have played a key role in Chinese Taipei's economic development, 
accounting for 30% of its GDP. 
4.74.   Although services are in low demand within Chinese Taipei's domestic economy, they are 
becoming one of its main exports. Banking sector legislation has been improved, thus enhancing the 
risk profile in investment banking.  
4.75.   The Secretariat report highli ghts the work carried out in recent years by Chinese Taipei with 
regard to the tourism sector, through the application of its "Tourism 2020" policy. This policy 
examines the possibility of establishing strategies to improve tourism, such as the promotion a nd 
creation of new routes to attract visitors to the territory. It will benefit the employment sector 
through the creation of more jobs, as well as the investment sector.  
4.76.   As regards intellectual property, it should be noted that Chinese Taipei has carried out 
legislative reforms on patents, trademarks and copyright, which have strengthened the intellectual 
property system and established mechanisms that have increased the effectiveness of the 
administrative process to obtain such rights.  
4.77.   Concerning bilatera l relations between Guatemala and Chinese Taipei, it should be noted that 
1 July 2018 marked 12 years since the entry into force of the free trade agreement between 
Guatemala and Chinese Taipei, which further strengthened bilateral trade relations.  
4.78.   In 2017 , Guatemala ranked 62nd out of Chinese Taipei's trading partners for exports and 
imports. In the same year, Chinese Taipei was Guatemala's 27th most important trading partner for 
exports and 22nd for imports. The main goods that Guatemala exports to Chinese Taipei are, in order 
of importance: sugar; coffee; sugar molasses; cardboard; shrimp and lobster; metal waste and 
scrap; unmanufactured tobacco; aluminium; fresh, dried and frozen fruit; and cl othing.  
4.79.   The main goods that Guatemala imports from Chinese Taipei include: miscellaneous chemical 
products; vehicles and transport equipment; plastics and plastic products; textiles; machinery and 
electronic devices; sheet and wire; toys; sports equipment;  household and office furniture; surgical 
equipment; clothing; and tyres and tubes.  
4.80.   In conclusion, Guatemala hopes that Chinese Taipei will continue to increase its economic 
growth and development through the application of its economic and trade policies.  
4.81.   We welcome the replies to our questions, which we will forward to our capital for analysis and 
comment.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.82.   We wish the delegation representing Chinese Taipei today a successful conclusion to this trade 
policy review.  
CANADA  
4.83.   Allow me to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Chinese Taipei, on the occasion of 
its fourth trade policy review. I would like to begin by congratulating Chinese Taipei for its ongoing 
efforts to liberalize its economy and eliminate barriers to trade by supporting a rules -based 
multilateral system.  
4.84.   Since acceding to the WTO in 2002, and in particular since its last trade policy review in 2014, 
Chinese Taipei has continued to implement key reforms to meet its WTO obligations, and this is 
something Canada would like to commend.  
4.85.   We al so applaud the continuous and proactive participation of Chinese Taipei in the WTO, 
underlining its commitment to open, rules -based and predictable international trade. In this regard, 
we note positively that Chinese Taipei is taking an active role in the MSMEs and eCommerce joint 
initiatives announced on the margins of MC11.  
4.86.   Chinese Taipei also has a good track record in its notifications, and we would like to encourage 
it to continue this good practice by submitting its most recent notifications on agric ultural domestic 
support.  
4.87.   As you know, Canada actively supports progressive elements, such as women’s economic 
empowerment, in the context of international trade. We are therefore grateful for Chinese Taipei’s 
support for the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment and look 
forward to working wit h Chinese Taipei and other WTO M embers to fully implement the declaration.  
4.88.   Chinese Taipei’s commitments to developing the strong fundamentals of an outward -looking 
economy, resulting in the resilience of its export -led economy, an d its ability to maintain 
macro -financial stability is praiseworthy. Canada continues to enjoy strong bilateral trade between 
our two economies and support the growth of our people -to-people ties with Chinese Tai pei. 
4.89.   Trade Policy Reviews  success rely on open and frank dialogue between peers, so given the 
limited time at hand I will focus on three areas of Chinese Taipei’s trade policy, which are of 
importance for Canada: food standards on imports, certificates of origin, and industrial policy.  
4.90.   First, with regards to food standards on imports, as all in this room know Canada is a major 
exporter of agricultural and agri -food products. As with many of the M embers present, Canada 
maintains robust regulatory standards and food safety measures to ensure we export the highest 
quality agricultural and agri -food products.  
4.91.   The fact that Chinese Taipei continues to have slow processing times for Maximum Residue 
Levels (MRLs) of pesticides on imports and in some circumstances  a zero tolerance level for 
pesticides on imports is of concern to us. We encourage Chinese Taipei to adopt a science -based 
risk approach to MRLs in order to facilitate market access, such as the CODEX standards. We would 
also welcome clarifications on Chi nese Taipei’s amendments to ban genetically -modified food in 
school meals, and its decision to extend its 2016 New Agricultural Policy ’s "Big Granary Project"  to 
apply only to non -GMO grain products.  
4.92.   Second, Canada supports the World B ank’s efforts to report on the "ease of doing business"  
within domestic economies in their flagship publication Doing Business. The 2018 edition reports 
that organizations operating in Chinese Taipei can now issue their own certificates of origin. While 
this may decrease p rocessing times, we wonder how Chinese Taipei intends to maintain the integrity 
of electronic certificates, including what measures are planned in the case of fraudulent issuance of 
certificates of origin.  
4.93.   Third, in light of our goal of increasing trade a nd economic ties with Chinese Taipei, we 
welcome further clarity on certain cornerstone pieces of its indu strial policies, including its "Five Plus 
Two" Innovative Industries Plan, which seeks to increase cross -industry integration to improve input WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  product ivity. Such enabling mechanisms should allow for domestic industries to be more competitive 
without creating barriers for foreign exporters, which we see as a positive measure.  
4.94.   Chinese Taipei has indicated that it seeks to work with international partners to cooperate in 
seven economic sectors. We welcome clarity on potential incentives and timelines for their 
implementation to encourage private enterprise to increase trade in these sectors. In addition, 
following the launch of the Forward -looking Infrastru cture Development Program in 2017 and the 
growing focus on infrastructure development, it is our hope that Chinese Taipei will review its 
procurement methods and procedures to ensure transparency and fairness to all WTO parties.  
4.95.   In conclusion, Canada would  like to express our sincere thanks to Chinese Taipei for engaging 
in this Trade Policy Review, as it is an integral function of the WTO and an important mechanism to 
improve transparency and accountability amongst its M embers. We take this opportunity to 
commend the use of the alt ernate timelines for this TPR. Based on Chinese Taipei’s impressive 
economic achievements to date, we believe it has both the capacity and the motivation to improve 
its trade policies and be a model economy within the rules -based,  global economic order.  
4.96.   In this regard, we are confident that the exchanges of views during this review will provide 
useful and constructive suggestions for Chinese Taipei – and we wi sh our colleagues a successful 
Trade Policy R eview.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.97.   Chinese T aipei has been an active Member of the WTO whose participation in virtually all 
bodies of the O rganization is highly appreciated by all of us. This positive role is underpinned by a 
good record on transparency with only a handful of n otifications still pen ding. 
4.98.   It gives me pleasure to note that the economic relations between Switzerland and 
Chinese  Taipei continue to intensify. Bilateral trade was given a renewed impetus in the years 
following the accession of the Separate Customs Territory to the WTO in 20 02. The last two years 
have seen another significant increase, especially when it comes to the importation into Switzerland 
of products originating in the Customs Territory. Frequently imported goods are mobile phones and 
machines, whereas we mostly export  pharmaceuticals and precious metals. There has also been an 
uptick in Swiss investment in Chinese Taipei. Swiss companies operating there gene rated well over 
17’000 jobs.  
4.99.   We see even more potential in the economy of Chinese Taipei. Few Members can boast a n 
equal array of solid economic fundamentals. Firmly embedded in global value chains, Chinese Taipei 
has more or less succeeded in holding its favourable position on the global competitiveness indices. 
Its GDP growth does fluctuate a bit but remains persis tently in positive territory. Inflation is low and 
the traditionally modest unemployment rate has managed to go down even further during the review 
period. Most importantly, the current account generates surpluses as the Territory’s savings rate 
generously  exceeds domestic investment. In light of this, Chinese Taipei's  fiscal position is sound, 
thereby giving it sufficient fiscal space to feel comfortable about engaging in reforms to secure the 
economy’s future.  
4.100.   We get a sense that Chinese Taipei has indeed  begun in investing in the future. A sizeable 
long-term Construction Project is to contribute to upgrading the economy’s infrastructure. Additional 
investment is to be channelled  into industrial innovation programmes. One wonders whether the 
fiscal cushion s might enable the authorities  to loosen its dependence on the tariff as a significant 
source of tax revenue. It will be interesting to observe to what extent the ongoing labour market 
reforms will create more flexible framework conditions, which are condu cive to meeting emerging 
challenges. The enhancement of productivity will be key to maintaining the Customs Territory’s 
wealth and prosperity against the backdrop of demographic ageing.  
4.101.   Experience by many countries shows that one way of improving producti vity rates is by 
attracting foreign capital. Inbound investment can inject new and innovative ideas of doing business. 
Often it stiffens competition in the recipient economy and leads to better overall performance. We 
note that Chinese Taipei intends to co ntinue its policy of attracting FDI. But the political process of 
creating more favourable conditions for FDI seems to have stalled. Members will continue to observe WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  future developments to see if a simple post -investment registration system might see the l ight of 
day. 
4.102.   One factor limiting investor’s choice is the importance of state -owned enterprises in the 
economy of Chinese Taipei. Companies owned by the public sector appear to be assuming an even 
greater weight in economic life than in the past. It is que stionable, though, whether these types of 
companies usually belong to the more productive sectors of the economy. Moves to privatize can be 
part and parcel of a state -of-the-art economic policy aimed at revamping productivity.   
4.103.   The Secretariat’s report ha s observed that the public sector  – for better or for worse - plays 
an active role in a myriad of ways in the economy of the Separate Customs Territory. Many activities 
may benefit from special incentives. The question may be asked to what extent they migh t be 
detrimental to a level -playing field for all economic actors by being selective or even misguided. 
Competition is best assured by offering the same framework conditions for all. On the other hand, 
we observed that Chinese Taipei has made great strides  in strengthening its competition policy.  
4.104.   It has also been pointed out that the Chinese Taipei’s tariff structure is complicated and the 
handling of certain goods at customs may be cumberso me. We would like to thank the d elegation 
of Chinese Taipei for having provided information on how there are additional plans for simplifying 
things for exporters and importers alike. Just as we are grateful to our colleagues from Chinese 
Taipei for having provided timely and comprehensi ve answers to all of our questions within the very 
useful alternative timeline.   
4.105.   Before concluding, let me also highlight the Customs Territory’s commitment with respect to 
the reform of fossil fuel subsidies. Switzerland wishes Chinese Taipe i a successfu l outcome of this 
Trade Policy R eview.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.106.   Chinese Taipei is a significant Asia -Pacific economy, and is an important economic partner 
for New Zealand. Two -way trade is substantial, and is underpinn ed by the Agreement between 
New Zealand and the Sep arate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Ma tsu on 
Economic Cooperation or ANZTEC , which entered into force in December 2013. Since ANZTEC 
entered into force two-way goods and trade has increased by over 20%. Chinese Taipei is now our 
12th larg est trading partner with two-way trade exceeding two billion dollars.  
4.107.   We appreciate that Chinese Taipei shares New Zealand’s  strong commitment to the 
rules-based multilateral trading system, which we see as essential to our collective future prosperity. 
New Zealand and Chinese Taipei enjoy close collaboration across a range of WTO work streams. 
Chinese Taipei’s commitment across the WTO system is evidenced by its ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in 2015, as well as its active participation in the Information Technology 
Agreement II, the Government Procurement Agreement, and the Environmental Goods Agreement 
negotiations, to mention a few.  
4.108.   Chinese Taipei continues to demonstrate this commitment by participating in several joint 
statement pro cesses to come out of MC11, including on trade and women’s economic empowerment, 
services domestic regulation, e -commerce and MSMEs.  
4.109.   New Zealand emphasizes the importance of transparency in the WTO, and therefore in up to 
date notifications. Accordingly, we commend Chinese Taipei on its notification record in many areas, 
but encourage bringing all notifications up to date, including in the area of agricultural domestic 
support, which I note Chinese Taipei has indicated it will provide in the coming months.   
4.110.   New Zealand commends Chinese Taipei for the positive strides it has made during the review 
period. We have noted the recent advancements Chinese Taipei has made in terms of its trade 
facilitation and customs clearance mechanisms, which are having a pract ical impact on the ease of 
doing business.  
4.111.   In particular, we  welcome Chinese Taipei’s initiatives on pursuing trade policy that 
contributes to environmental protection and sustainable development. New Zealand thanks Chinese 
Taipei’s for its commitment to advancing Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform at the WTO and its suppo rt for WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  the Ministerial statement in Buenos Aires. In the area of fisheries subsidies,  we encourage 
Chinese  Taipei to continue strengthening its legal framework to implement stronger actions on 
deterring IUU fishing activities.  
4.112.   New Zealan d is a strong suppo rter of the Trade Policy Review M echanism. These instruments 
play an essential role in allowing Members to better understand and review the polic ies and practices 
of other WTO M embers. New Zealand appreciates Chinese Taipei’s continued commitment to the 
multilateral trading system and we welcome the positive steps that Chinese Taipei has taken in the 
four years since the last trade policy review. We look forward to further discussion this week, 
including on the issues raised in our questions. We wi sh Chines e Taipei a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.113.   Chinese Taipei is very much linked to the global economy and it has remained one of the 
world’s most competitive economies in the last few years. On the other hand, the economy’s reliance 
on external market s has also made Chinese Taipei more vulnerable to external shocks.  
4.114.   Therefore, as the world economy has experienced a g eneral slowdown since the last Trade 
Policy R eview, the relative growth of the Chinese Taipei’s economy has been moving at a slower 
pace than before. Nevertheless, Chinese Taipei has shown resilience and was able to maintain a 
steady, albeit smaller, growth of its economy, bolstered in part by successful governmental stimulus 
actions.  
4.115.   In the WTO, Chinese Taipei plays a pragmatic and positi ve role, commensurate with the 
importance of international trade for its economy. It is noteworthy that Chinese Taipei has never 
been a respondent in a WTO dispute settlement case, but has recently increased its profile in this 
area by initiating three dis putes, all of them dealing with trade remedies, within the period of review.  
4.116.   With regard to notifications, while Chinese Taipei has mostly complied with its obligations, 
Brazil would like to express concerns with regard to notifications on domestic suppor t. The last period 
for which there has been a notification is 2011 -2012. We would urge Chinese Taipei’s authorities to 
provide the relevant notifications as soon as possible.  
4.117.   Brazil would also like to recall it has submitted questions regarding Chinese Tai pei’s practices 
in the SPS area, particularly regarding maximum residue levels, and is grateful for the written 
responses provided, which will be carefully reviewed.  
4.118.   Brazil remains Chinese Taipei’s main trading partner in Latin America and is the third sou rce 
of the Chinese Taipei’s food imports and agricultural products in general. Brazil’s main exports to 
Chinese Taipei are, besides food products, iron ore and crude oil, and its main imports are integrated 
circuits and transmitters. Trade flows between Ch inese Taipei and Brazil have remained stable and 
evenly distributed between 2014 and 2017, reaching an amount of US$3.8 billion in 2017. With 
regard to investments, the tech company AOC has manufacturing plants in the Manaus Free Trade 
Zone. In 2017 Cal -Comp (Kinpo) group and the Qualcom m/ASE Group invested almost 
US$300  million in Brazil. Overall, however, bilateral investment flows are still below their full 
potential and could be further increased in the coming years with the deepening of bilateral relat ions.  
4.119.   Let me conclude by wishing the delegation of Chinese Taipei a successful conclusion of this 
Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.120.   Chinese Taipei economy remains strong, open and competitive. Its GDP annual average rate 
for the period 2014 -17 reached 2.3%, and is expected to continue to grow by close to 4% in 2018 
and 2019  
4.121.   Chinese Taipei has undertaken structural reforms to increase efficiency and competitiveness 
and broaden  diversity within its economy. These reforms included several areas such as fiscal and 
monetary policies, trade facilitation, taxation, investment, competition policy and intellectual 
property rights.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.122.   The Kingdom o f Saudi Arabia commends Chinese Taipei for its development plan for the 
period 2017 -2020, the 5+2 Industrial Innovation Plan, the New So uthbound Policy and the 
Forward -Looking Infrastructure Development Programme. All these efforts confirm the strong 
deter mination of Chinese Taipei to enhance the openness of its economy to international trade and 
its integration into the global value chains.  
4.123.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia submitted some questions to Chinese Taipei regarding these 
programs and reforms and will be happy to receive Chinese Taipei’s replies to these questions.  
4.124.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chinese Taipei are important trading partners, the value 
of trade exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chinese Taipei has reached US$7 
billion.  
4.125.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has historically been the largest supplier of oil and petroleum 
and chemical products to Chinese Taipei and imports different products, including information 
technology equipment, spare parts and accessories, machinery and textile  products from Chinese 
Taipei.  
4.126.   Since joining the WTO, Chinese Taipei plays an active role in strengthening the multilateral 
trading system.  
4.127.   I wish the delegation of Chinese Taipei a very successful Trade Policy Review . 
COLOMBIA  
4.128.   We note the robust economic  performance of Chinese Taipei during the period under review, 
in which GDP grew at an average rate of 2.3%, levels of unemployment and inflation were low, and 
savings represented a significant share of GDP.  
4.129.   We also note that, in the four years since its l ast trade policy review, Chinese Taipei has 
maintained a trade policy which is open and oriented towards the external sector, which reflects an 
economy that is dynamic and highly integrated into global trade, and which has positively overcome 
the difficult ies of international demand. Chinese Taipei is an important investor at global level and 
promotes foreign investment as a driver of its economic growth.  
4.130.   We observe that Chinese Taipei has adopted a number of domestic reforms to facilitate trade 
and promote  investment, including the implementation of the commitments arising from the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation, through which it has set a standard for the use and mutual 
recognition of authorized economic operators. We also note that, at the regulatory lev el, it has 
sought to harmonize technical regulations and standards, and certification, with international rules 
and standards.  
4.131.   In terms of its participation in the WTO, Chinese Taipei has played a constructive and 
proactive role in the regular bodies, and has demonstrated commitment to strengthening the 
multilateral trading system. According to the Secretariat report, it has complied properly with 
notification commitments, although some notifications on domestic support remain pending in the 
Committee on Ag riculture.  
4.132.   Furthermore, we recognize the transparency and predictability of the tariff structure, and 
the efforts to eliminate dispersion, although there are still some tariff peaks and restrictive tariffs on 
certain products in the agricultural sector.  
4.133.   We note the active participation of Chinese Taipei in several of the ongoing negotiations, and 
the constructive commitment that it has demonstrated in trade liberalization initiatives, for both 
goods and services, as was the case for the Information Technolo gy Agreement. We also note its 
active participation in and contributions to the discussions in the Organization regarding e -commerce 
and the digital economy in general.  
4.134.   These contributions by Chinese Taipei are consistent with policies on innovation, 
development and industrial modernization, which take into account the importance of a 
knowledge -based economy.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.135.   Trade between Colombia and Chinese Taipei has been growing in r ecent years. Colombian 
exports increased by 120% in 2017, compared with the previous year, and 35% of these sales were 
of non -mining goods. Exports of agro -industry goods, such as coffee and coffee preparations, hides, 
skins and flowers also rose.  
4.136.   Based on  the reports prepared, Colombia submitted questions on several points of interest 
concerning Chinese Taipei's economic and trade policies, such as the programmes to increase 
competitiveness and productivity in the industrial sector, innovation incentives, and trade facilitation 
measures, such as the application of mechanisms for the mutual recognition of authorized economic 
operators.  
4.137.   We welcome the replies given, which we will examine in detail.  
4.138.   I would like to end this statement by wishing Chinese Taipei and its delegation a successful 
trade policy review, and thank the team in Geneva for its excellent working relations and cooperation 
with our Mission.  
THAILAND  
4.139.   Thailand and Chinese Taipei have maintained the close and cordial economic relations, 
underpinn ed by strong trade and investment flows. In 2017, total trade between the two economies  
amounted to US$ 12.2 billion, expanding by 16.2% from 2016. Chinese Taipei was the fifth largest 
supplying market of Thailand,  with total imports reached US$ 8.2 billion,  and the nineteenth largest 
export destina tion, with total exports of US$ 4 billion. With respect to investment, Chinese Taipei 
continued to be Thailand’s fifth largest external source of foreign direct investment valued at 
US$697  million.  
4.140.   Thailand apprecia tes the commendable performance of Chinese Taipei’s open economy since 
its last Trade Policy Review. Its integration into the world economy and global value chains has 
indicated the increasingly significant role of trade in its economy, amounting to 117.7%  of GDP. 
Chinese Taipei has maintained its position among the world's most competitive economies, w ith high 
living standards. Chinese Taipei  has implemented transparent and predictable trade policies and has 
taken steps to continually improve its regulator y framework and business environment. We believe 
that these efforts will contribute to sustainable and resilient growth to Chinese Taipei’s export -led 
economy.  
4.141.   Thailand welcomes structural reforms in the areas of trade facilitation, taxation, competition 
policy and intellectual property rights undertaken during the review period. In addition to Chinese 
Taipei's development plan for the period 2017 -2020, key economic strategies have been 
implemented to drive innovation, promote regional cooperation and meet long-term infrastructural 
needs. These initiatives will certainly provide a new engine for economic growth and bring 
tremendous benefits to its trading partners.  
4.142.   Thailand very much values the proactive role of Chinese Taipei in the WTO. Chinese Taipei 
has maintained a strong record of notifications to the WTO, although an up to date notification on 
domestic support to agriculture is pending. Chinese Taipei ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
in 2015 and has implemented the ITA Expansion Agreement. Chi nese Taipei’s continuous supports 
for E-commerce and MSMEs as well as unilateral trade preferences granting to LDCs also deserve 
positive mention.  
4.143.   In this review, Thailand submitted a set of questions, covering the policies and measures of 
our interests su ch as a post -investment registration mechanism, an establishment of branches of 
overseas banks, price support -guaranteed purchases of rice and online trading platform for 
agricultural products. We would like to thank Chinese Taipei for timely responses to our questions 
and will study them in detail with great interest.  
4.144.   Thailand has always enjoyed excellent working relations and cooperation with Permanent 
Representative Dr.  Cyrus C hu's very capable team in Geneva. We look forward to continuing this, in 
our common goal of upholding the multilateral trading system. We wish Chinese Taipei a successful 
forth Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  ARGENTINA  
4.145.   Argentina observes with great interest that, since its last trade policy review in 2014, 
Chinese  Taipei's main macroeconomic v ariables have remained relatively stable.  
4.146.   Bilateral trade exceeded USD 550  million in 2017, growing by 11.6% compared with the 
previous year. This positive trend continued in the first two months of 2018, with total bilateral trade 
amounting to over USD 11 0 million, representing a 44.5% increase compared with 
January -February  2017.  
4.147.   The main goods exported from Argentina to Chinese Taipei are grain corn, skins and hides, 
and shrimp and prawns, which represented over 56% of bilateral trade in 2017. Imports fr om 
Chinese Taipei consisted primarily of electronic and technological goods (digital video signal 
receiver -decoders, memory boards, data storage devices, processors and controllers).  
4.148.   It is important to mention the reforms undertaken regarding trade facilit ation, taxation and 
competition policy, as well as the efforts to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) and improve 
the domestic regulatory environment for business.  
4.149.   Regarding development -oriented reforms, we note the implementation of the Four -Year 
National Development Plan (2017 -2020), the New Southbound Policy and the "5+2" Industrial 
Innovation Plan. We also welcome the reforms aimed at preventing illegal, unreported, and 
unregulated fishing.  
4.150.   We wish to point out that, during the period under review, Chinese Taipei ratified the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation, adopted amendments to clarify legislation on customs, improved 
the integration of online operations with the Customs -Port-Trade Single Window, facilitated the 
exchange of certificates of origin, and introduced expeditious customs clearance services. We also 
note that the regulatory framework on competition policy has undergone large -scale reforms.  
4.151.   Argentina is paying close attention to the protection granted for a number of agricultural 
goods thro ugh the application of high tariffs. These tariffs are, on average, more than three times 
higher than those granted for industrial goods (17.8% for agricultural goods compared with 5.1% 
for non -agricultural goods in 2018). Tariff peaks continue to be appli ed to agricultural goods, which, 
in some cases, exceed 1,000%. We are also concerned by the use of various support mechanisms 
and the increased application of tariff quotas, which rose from 47.1% to 56.5% in the period 
2015-2016.  
4.152.   During this trade policy r eview, we submitted questions relating to Chinese Taipei's Customs 
Act, the registration of importers and exporters with the Bureau of Foreign Trade, the establishment 
of a ceiling for transmission fees, and the legislative procedure to modify tariffs. The  replies provided 
will be analysed by our authorities in Buenos Aires.  
4.153.   In conclusion, while reiterating our appreciation of this new opportunity to exchange points 
of view and comments on the trade policy and practices of Chinese Taipei, we would like to d raw 
attention once again to the relevance of this exercise in transparency, in all its aspects, and wish 
the authorities of Chinese Taipei a successful conclusion to this review.  
HONDURAS  
4.154.   Honduras has enjoyed strong ties of friendship and cooperation with Chinese Taipei for over 
77 years, and our relationship is becoming increasingly stronger and more stable. We continue to 
work on matters of common interest at different levels, including the interests of this Organization.  
4.155.   For many years, the Technical Mis sion of Chinese Taipei has set up technical assistance 
projects in Honduras in various areas, including social welfare, health, education, agricultural 
development, medicine, trade promotion and cultural exchanges.  
4.156.   Regarding education, in recent years, Chi nese Taipei has provided many scholarship 
opportunities for young Hondurans. Each year, between 30 and 40 students are given the important WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  opportunity to study in Chinese Taipei, learn the language, and broaden their perspectives on 
another continent.  
4.157.   We wish to draw attention to the implementation of the One Town, One Product project 
sponsored by Chinese Taipei, which aims to make Honduran handicrafts more competitive, and 
which has had remarkable results. The project has benefited over 900 entrepreneurs specialized in 
different products in 27 municipalities nationwide, enabling them to make goods with greater value 
added, which reflect cultural identity and which are linked to our vision for the country and our 
national plan.  
4.158.   Furthermore, the Taiwan Sugar  Corporation, which is a business consortium in the field of 
biotechnology, has made several visits to our country to explore the possibility of marketing 
avocados on a large scale.  
4.159.   In parallel, the consortium, Dong Jyu  Group, echoing the presidential programme entitled 
"Honduras 20/20", is investing in housing, livestock, mining, food processing, tourism and 
aquaculture. Other enterprises, such as Wenhua International, Universal Plastic & Pack, Full House 
Electrical Swi tches and Speco Honduras, have invested significantly in our country.  
4.160.   It is pleasing to know that it is currently possible to drink a good cup of Honduran coffee in 
many places in Chinese Taipei, including on the high -speed train.  
4.161.   Chinese Taipei is a poten tial market for Honduras and, as indicated in the current reports, 
our bilateral relations are currently governed by the free trade agreement between El Salvador, 
Honduras and Chinese Taipei, which has been in force for Honduras and Chinese Taipei since 
15 July 2008, and which has enabled us to increase our trade. In 2017, our exports amounted to 
over USD  57 million and included shrimp, coffee, cast iron, cane sugar, and recovered paper and 
paperboard, while our imports amounted to over USD  69 million and i ncluded ethylene 
terephthalate, flavoured milk, and vehicle parts and accessories.  
4.162.   Regarding the policy reports submitted, we note the Four -Year National Development Plan 
(2017 -2020), the New Southbound Policy, the "5+2" Industrial Innovation Plan, and the  Financial 
Technology Development and Innovative Experimentation Act.  
4.163.   We also note the efforts made by Chinese Taipei through the introduction of an energy 
transition policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the adoption of reform policies to fulfil 
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and attain the Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs).  
4.164.   We see that Chinese Taipei:  
• Ranks 15th out of 140 in the competitiveness ranking;  
• is 31st out of the 176 economies ranked in the Corruption Perceptions Index ( CPI) by 
Transparency International;  
• holds one of the top positions in the Customs Transparency Index of the Global Enabling Trade 
Report; and  
• is in 15th place in the Doing Business report.  
4.165.   Furthermore, Chinese Taipei is the world's top producer of Pacific saury and is among the 
world's major suppliers of grouper and tilapia.  
4.166.   We welcome the replies to the questions that we submitted during this review, which we will 
forward to our capital for analysis.  
4.167.   Honduras commends the authorities of the Separate Custom s Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, 
Kinmen and Matsu for their significant achievements during the period under review, and we wish 
them the best of success in the future.  
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  REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.168.   Korea and Chinese Taipei are currently benefiting from a robust and s trongly interlinked 
economic relationship. In 2017, Chinese Taipei was Korea's 7th largest trading partner, while Korea 
stands as Chinese Taipei's 5th largest trading partner. Our total bilateral trade volume has remained 
stable at a level of US$30 billion  since 2010. In addition, such bilateral trade is complementary in 
nature. Intra -industry trade forms a large part of our bilateral trade. As of 2017, half of the top ten 
trading goods of the two Members consisted of the same products such as semiconductor s and 
chemicals.  
4.169.   As the Secretariat R eport indicated, thanks to the relatively strong fundamental and well 
developed outward looking economy, Chinese Taipei has maintained macro -financial stability and 
demonstrated the resilience of its export -led economy.  We believe that Chinese Taipei will continue 
to address the challenges that have arisen through its ongoing reforms.  
4.170.   During the review period, Chinese Taipei has continued to pursue open and interconnected 
trade at the bilateral, regional and multilateral level. In particular, Chinese Taipei has been a strong 
supporter of the multilateral trade system and implemented its  obligations under the WTO. It has 
ratified and implemented the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and has maintained a strong 
record of notifications to the WTO.  
4.171.   My delegation has submitted, albeit somewh at late, our written questions on the following  
two points. First, Chinese Taipei has persisted with a restrictive measure under which Korean 
shipping companies are not allowed to navigate the Japan -Chinese Taipei route, despite allowing 
other Member's shipping companies to pass through the route. This  issue was raised during the 
previous TPR meeting. Second, Korean companies claim that they are being excluded from bidding 
for the railway project by Chinese Taipei.  
4.172.   My delegation looks forward to receiving replies to these issues in due course.  
4.173.   Korea hopes to continuously develop our economic relationship with Chinese Taipei. In 
addition, we expect Chinese Taipei to continue to contribute towards strengthening the multilateral 
trading system.  
4.174.   With this, we would like to express our deep appreciation to  the Chinese Taipei delegation 
for its hard work and wi sh the delegation every success  in this TPR.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.175.   Chinese Taipei became the Philippines’ 8th major trading partn er and second  largest source 
of investments in 2017. Total bilateral trade between  our tw o economies reached US$7.19 bil lion in 
2017, with semiconductor devices and digital monolithic integrated circuits as our top traded 
commodities. Philippine exports to Chinese Taipei rose by 7.15%, from US$2.13 bil lion in 2016 to 
US$2.28 billion in 2017, while our imports from Chinese Taipei declined slightly from US$5.18 billion 
in 2016 to US$4.91 billion in 2017.  
4.176.   Chinese Taipei has been through a cyclical growth path since its last Trade Policy Review in 
2014, with an annual average GDP growth rat e of 2.3% for the period 2014 -2017. However, due to 
its relatively strong fundamentals and well -developed outward -looking economy, Chinese Taipei was 
able to maintain macro -financial stability and ensure the resilience of its export -led economy. The 
openne ss of its economy to international trade, and its integration into the world economy and global 
value chains, continue to be reflected by the steadily high ratio of its trade in goods and services to 
GDP, which stood at 117.7% in 2017.  
4.177.   Chinese Taipei is a n active M ember of the WTO since its accession in January 2002. It is a 
signatory to the Civil Aircraft and Information Technology Agreements, as well as a party to the 
Government Procurement Agreement. It has also ratified the Trade Facilitatio n Agree ment and the 
Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement. At MC11, it has joined the Ministe rial Statements on 
Electronic Commerce, Services Domestic Regulation, Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment, 
Fossil Fuel Reform, and the Declaration in Support of the Multil ateral Trading System. Chinese Taipei WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  is also an active member of the Friends of MSMEs Group signing the Joint Declaration on the 
Establish ment of a WTO Informal Work Pro gramme for MSMEs.  
4.178.   Similar to the Philippines, Chinese Taipei’s economy is also largel y driven by small - and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These SMEs benefit from specific production assistance measures 
through the support of the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration (SMEA) of the Ministry of 
Economic Affairs (MOEA). SMEA aims to cr eate a healthy environment for the development and 
growth of SMEs by helping them improve their operation environ ments, promoting mutual 
cooperation, and assisting them in striving for growth with their own efforts.  
4.179.   The Philippines recognizes Chinese Taip ei’s Five -Plus-Two Industries Innovation Plan, which 
serves as its primary industrial development policy that has identified seven (5+2) innovative 
industrial pillars. This Plan seeks to transform industrial innovation, moving towards high -value -
added, ser vice-oriented and solutions -oriented business models.  
4.180.   The Philippines has submitted some advanced written questions on the Chinese Taipei trade 
policy review reports, and we kindly thank them in advance for their written responses.  
4.181.   In closing, the Philippi nes looks forward to further enhanc ing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations between our two economies in the appropriate fora.  
VIET  NAM 
4.182.   Since the last Trade Policy Review in 2014, Chinese Taipei has remained one of the most 
competitive economies in t he world, mainly fuelled by a strong manufacturing sector and persistent 
export -led growth strategy.  
4.183.   Viet Nam wishes to highlight the advancements Chinese Taipei has made during the review 
period. Structural reforms in various areas, such as trade facilitation, taxation, competition policy 
and intellectual property rights, have helped stabilise the econom y and the recovery is bringing 
about positive achievements with significant GDP growth, controlled inflation, and decreased 
unemployment rate.  
4.184.   We really appreciate that although protectionism is rising in some parts of the world, Chinese 
Taipei retains it s outward -looking attitude and commitment for strong integration into the world 
economy. The openness of the territory to foreign investment, reinforced by introduction of new 
incentives and facilitation measures, continues to guarantee its key position in  the robust and 
dynamic global and regional supply chains.  
4.185.   Regarding the bilateral trade and investment relations between Viet Nam and Chinese Taipei, 
we are very please d that Chinese Taipei is a long standing economic partner of Viet Nam. Our 
economic coop eration is strong and has much potential to advance. Chinese Taipei is Viet Nam’s 
fifth largest trade partner in 2017. The trade volume between Viet Nam and Chinese Taipei reached 
US$15.28 billion last year, up by 13.1 % as compared to that of 2016.  
4.186.   In ter ms of investment, Chinese Taipei ranks fourth out of 126 economies  which pour 
investment into Viet Nam. The investment of Chinese Taipei’s investors covers numerous sectors, 
ranging from manufacturing to real estate and services.  
4.187.   The bilateral trade relati on between Viet Nam and Chinese Taipei can achieve better 
development outcomes if certain impediments are duly addressed. Those obstructions mainly come 
from current regulations of Chinese Taipei that directly affect export products of Viet Nam and have 
raised serious concerns to our farmers and enterprises. Therefore, we would like to draw our Chinese 
Taipei colleagues’ great at tention to the following issues.  
4.188.   Firstly, Chinese Taipei is kindly requested to promptly review its sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures to assure its conformity with international standards and regulations. Unnecessary trade 
obstacles should be removed and appropriate trade facilitation measures should be made to advance 
trade of agricultural products. Review report should be sent to  Chinese Taipei’s concerned trading 
partners.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.189.   Secondly, we urge Chinese Taipei to speed up the review of pest risk analysis reports of such 
fresh fruits as rambutan, mango, lychee, longan and pomelo, whose registration application has 
been submitted so th at these products of Viet Nam can soon be exported to Chinese Taipei.  
4.190.   Thirdly, we kindly request Chinese Taipei to implement the mutually agreed solutions 
regarding the examination and verification of origin of Vietnamese agricultural products, inform 
Vietnamese competent authorities in advance of the intended verification and share the results with 
us, and clear consignments if no infringement is confirmed.  
4.191.   Viet Nam appreciates the active and very constructive engagement of Chinese Taipei in 
support of t he multilateral trading system and the positive contributions of Permanent 
Representative Dr . C. Y. Cyrus C hu and his able team. Chinese Taipei has proven to be a reliable 
partner in the ongoing work and multilateral negotiations of the WTO.  
4.192.   In conclusion , we wish Chinese Taipei every success in its economic and social development 
and the delegation of Chinese Taipei a successful Trade Policy R eview.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.193.   The Republic of Moldova is pleased to note Chinese Taipei's endeavour  to support an open 
and integrated intonational  trade and appreciates the proven commitment to build a strong trade 
policy based on regional connectivity and economic growth. The wise choice of economic policies has 
maintained the Separate Customs Territor y of Taiwan, Penghu, Kin men and Matsu's economy 
relatively stable since its last Trade Policy Review in 2014.  
4.194.   Chinese Taipei is now considered one of the most competitive economies in the world with 
one of the highest living standards. The monetary reform undertaken in 2014 has stimulated the 
growth and stability of the financial environment. The World Bank Doing Business Index ranks 
Chinese Taipei's economy on place 15. As of March 2017, Chinese Taipei is the fifth largest holder 
of foreign exchange reserv es Also, the decrease of the Gross external debt from 33.5% of GDP in 
2014 to 32.5% in 2016 is praiseworthy.  
4.195.   We note with satisfaction that the business environment of Chinese Taipei is improving and 
appreciate the measures taken in order to promote reform s in supp ort of SMEs, to encourage 
start-ups and entrepreneurs and alleviate the restrictions on the recruitment of overseas 
professionals. Also, we commend the increase in transparency and public participation in the process 
of trade policy formulation th at has been observed since the establishment of  an online public policy 
platform . 
4.196.   The efforts undertaken by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and 
Matsu in support of trade facilitation are much appreciated: the notification of the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in 2015, the adoption of the clarifying amendments to the Customs Act, the 
enhancement of integration of online o perations with the Customs -Port-Trade Single Window, 
facilitation in the exchange of certificates of origin, a nd the introduction of e xpeditious customs 
clearance serv ices. 
4.197.   We also appreciate the conclusion of two new FTAs with Singapore and New Zeeland, as well 
as the Cooperation Agreement with Paraguay. Efforts to expand RTAs contributed to the reduction 
of the simple average preferential tariff rate from half to less than a third of the MFN average applied 
tariff rate. We are confident that the Chinese Taipei will continue to increase its network of RTAs and 
play a significant role in the global trading system.  
4.198.   The Republic of Moldova is pleased to observe an outstanding reco rd of notifications to the 
WTO and we are looking forward to an up -to-date notification on domestic support to agriculture in 
due time.  
4.199.   Also, w e note a slight decrease of the simple average a pplied MFN tariff rate from 7.8% in 
2013 to 7.2% in 2018, as a result of a reduction of average ad valorem equivalent (AVEs) rates, the 
implementation of the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and tariff 
nomenclature changes. All tarif f rates/lines are bound and binding commitments relating to the ITA 
expansion are to be fully implemented by 2 021. WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.200.   Currently, the trade flows between Moldova and Chinese Taipei are fairly modest. But we 
hope to see further expansion of exports of Moldovan products to the Chinese Taipei market, 
including wine, textiles and organic products.  
4.201.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our economic relations with the Separate 
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu across WTO Agreements. Al low us to 
extend our great appreciation to Dr. Cyrus C hu, Permanent R epresentative of Chinese Taipei and his 
team form Geneva for  their impressive work in this H ouse and for their valuable contribution to the 
multilateral trade system. We wish to the Chine se Taipei's d elegation the utmost success during this 
trade policy review cycle.  
INDIA  
4.202.   During the period under review for 2014 -17, the GDP of Chinese Taipei continued to grow at 
a varying rate ranging from 0.8% to 4% with an average annual rate of 2.3%. Ch inese Taipei is also 
amongst the most competitive economies with a high living standard. It is also highly integrated in 
the global value chains which is reflected by the steady high ratio of its trade to GDP. However, the 
rate of GDP growth relatively has  slowed down from the average of 4.3% during the period of last 
review due to competition from emerging economies, restrictions on inbound direct investments, 
need for increased expenditure on R&D and over reliance on exports as a driver of economic growth . 
The other challenges for the economy include shrinking of the labour force, need to continue to shift 
the economy from industry to services with a focus on raising quality and value and other 
geo-political risks. We commend the efforts and measures taken  by the authorities of Chinese Taipei 
to continue to keep the economy on a path of the growth and orient the trade driven economy to 
maintain competitiveness by introducing trade related structural reforms and other measures.  
4.203.   India has vibrant trade and i nvestment relations with Chinese Taipei. India’s trade with 
Chinese Taipei has continued to grow albeit with periods of fluctuation and stood at US$ 6.08 billion 
in 2017 -18. There is considerable potential to promote India’s trade with Chinese Taipei in are as like 
electrical machinery, chemicals, electronics, computer hardware, agricultural products, marine 
products, textiles, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. A number of companies from Chinese Taipei 
are also investing in projects in India. There is consider able potential to further strengthen 
cooperation in areas including e -commerce, new and renewable energy, electric vehicles, electronics 
& IT, food proce ssing and cold chain logistics.  
4.204.   We also wish to highlight a few issues which are impacting the potentia l of India’s trade with 
Chinese Taipei. These  include:  
• The stringent sanitary and phytos anitary  measures and entry standards in Chinese Taipei are 
impacting the trade of Indian agricultural products like sphagnum moss, sesame, black tea, 
processed food, f ruits and vegetables.  
• The complex regulatory procedures are also affecting export of Indian pharmaceuticals, 
chemicals and other products to Chinese Taipei.  
4.205.   We would urge the authorities in Chinese Taipei to look into all these issues for mutual 
benefit.  
4.206.   To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Chinese Taipei for 
further expanding and harnessing the potential of our trade and inves tment ties for mutual benefit. 
We wish the delegation of Chinese Taipei a productive and succes sful TPR.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.207.   The economic relations with Chinese Taipei along with other economies  of the region are 
among the important directions of the foreign policy of Tajikistan.  
4.208.   During January -June 2018 Tajikistan's foreign trade turnover with Chinese Taipei amounted 
to US$17.4 million . Export constitutes US$16.6 million  and import US$0.8 million . WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.209.   The expansion of trade cooperation with Chinese Tai pei is in the interest of both st ates. It is 
important to make use of available opportunities for the development of trade ties between Tajikistan 
and Chinese Taipei.  
4.210.   Here, I would like to point out number of important areas of cooperation between Tajikistan 
and Chinese Taipei, including production of essential oils , telecommunication, electric machines and 
equipment, establishment of joint ventures for development of minera l resources, and tourism and 
so on.  
4.211.   This fo urth Trade Policy Review of Chinese Taipei provides an excellent opportunity to 
improve our understanding of its trade regime.  
4.212.   Allow me to highlight some key points of TP reports. Chinese Taipei relatively strong  and 
well-developed  econom y has  helped to maintain macro -financial stability . Annual GDP average 
growth rate for the period 2014 -17 stood at 2.3 %. Chinese Taipei remains a highly developed 
outward -oriented trade -driven economy . It is relatively well divers ified, with the services sector 
constituting the backbone of the economy. Manufacturing remains a pillar of Chinese Taipei's 
economy, accounting for around 30 % of GDP, close to 27 % of employment and more than 90 % of 
merchandise exports. The share of servic es in GDP and its share in total employment remained 
relatively stable during the period under review, and were 60 % and 59.3 %, respectively in 2017. 
During the review period, trade and trade -related structural reforms in the areas of trade facilitation, 
taxation, competition policy and intellectual property rights were undertaken. Chinese Taipei has 
maintained a strong record of notifications to the WTO, although an up -to-date notification on 
domestic support to agriculture is pending.  
4.213.   Chinese Taipei , as an active Member of the WTO , has taken commitment to improve trade 
facilitation processes. This commitment to improve trade facilitation was reflected in its ratification 
of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015.  
4.214.   Since 2014, it participated as a comp lainant in three new WTO dispute settlement cases and 
reserved its third-party rights in 22 cases.  
4.215.   My delegation acknowledges Chinese Taipei’s continued efforts to improve the business 
environment and facilitate foreign trade. The continuing shift of the economy from industry to 
services and continued regulatory reforms would increase its ability to respond to growing external 
competition. We are confident that by its active participation Chinese Taipei will remain committed 
to maintain the core values of the WTO and continue to support the development and expansion of 
multilateral trading system.  
4.216.   In conclusion , I wish Chinese Taipei a very productive and successful trade policy review 
exercise.  
CENTRAL  AFRICAN  REPUBLIC  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.217.   Chinese Taipei is one of the most open and competitive economies. It is highly integrated 
into global value chains, and is the 15th economy in which it is easiest to do business, according to 
the World Bank.  
4.218.   Despite the global economic slowdown following the finan cial crisis, Chinese Taipei has 
remained resilient, with average annual growth of 2.3% during the review period covering the years 
2014 to 2017.  
4.219.   The example of Chinese Taipei's resistant economy in a fragile global economic environment 
is relevant, insofar  as the territory rapidly introduced adjustment measures to stimulate its economy 
and increase growth, through the implementation of four -year development plans.  
4.220.   The main objectives of the plans are to ease regulations, introduce structural reforms, 
develo p infrastructure, broaden the scope of trade policy, and diversify foreign markets, particularly 
through the opening -up of trade with South Asia and Oceania.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.221.   Not only has Chinese Taipei taken relevant measures to enhance its economic development; 
it is als o, like the LDC Group, an active stakeholder in and defender of the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.222.   Chinese Taipei is particularly aware of the benefits that it draws from trade facilitation and 
an open trading system based on the principle of fairness.  
4.223.   Again st this background, and in order to support growth -oriented world trade, Chinese Taipei 
contributes to various Aid for Trade programmes and provides assistance to developing country 
Members, including LDCs, and to bodies linked to the WTO.  
4.224.   As a beneficiary , the LDC Group welcomes these contributions, as well as the initiatives 
introduced to give preferences to LDCs in terms of duty -free and quota -free market access. The 
LDC Group hopes that these preferences will be increased in the future.  
4.225.   On behalf of the  LDC Group, the Central African Republic wishes Chinese Taipei every success 
in its initiatives for economic reform and in its trade policy review.  
PERU 
4.226.   My delegation welcomes the high level of economic development achieved by Chinese Taipei 
in terms of pe r capita income, the reduction of unemployment and inequality, and the high standard 
to which it conducts business, in addition to other important achievements referred to in the 
Secretariat report. We also note the major economic policies which were imple mented during the 
period under review to achieve more rapid and sustainable growth, and which concern monetary 
and fiscal matters, industrial innovation, the promotion of renewable energy, the protection of 
forests, and the rationalization of the fisheries  sector. We trust that these policies will lead to even 
higher levels of economic development.  
4.227.   Annual trade between Peru and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu has remained significant. For several years, it has amounted to around USD 700  million, 
and involves a wide variety of goods. Peruvian exports to the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, 
Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu include non -traditional export products from the areas of agriculture, 
metalworking, chemicals and textiles . In this regard, we hope that our trade will continue to grow 
and become more diverse, for the benefit of our economies. The economic cooperation efforts 
between Peru and the Member under review also involve our joint participation in the Asia -Pacific 
Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement 
(TiSA). Peru remains highly interested in the development of both initiatives.  
4.228.   My delegation has not submitted any questions during this review. However, we note the 
references made in the reports to the high level of public intervention in various sectors and the 
restrictions placed on investments in several areas of the economy. In this regard, it should be 
pointed out that increased openness and private -sector particip ation have clearly served as tools to 
accelerate growth in certain economies, such as that of Peru. We also wish to mention the lowering 
of significantly high tariffs, particularly those for fisheries and agricultural goods, including 
non-traditional expor t products exported by Peru. We also recommend the simplification of the 
different charges associated with the importation of goods, to increase the transparency and 
predictability of the trade regime.  
4.229.   It is important to draw attention to the outstanding w ork carried out in this Organization by 
the delegation of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, which is 
without doubt one of the delegations that participates the most actively and constructively in 
discussions, and which sub mits many formal communications that express interesting and relevant 
points of view.  
4.230.   Before concluding, the Peruvian delegation would once again like to wish Chinese Taipei all 
the best in achieving its development objectives, and a successful trade polic y review.  
  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  PARAGUAY  
4.231.   Chinese Taipei has maintained its position as one of the most competitive and open 
economies in the world, with strong trade and a genuinely export -oriented production platform. 
Open trade practices have continued to be one of its main  drivers of economic growth, together with 
global and regional connectivity, and its effective integration into global value chains and 
outward -oriented trade. As a result, its GDP has grown at an annual rate of between 0.8% (2015) 
and 4% (2014), with an a nnual average increase of 2.3% between 2014 and 2017. Its dynamic 
services sector has played a key role in this performance, accounting for 65% of GDP and 60% of 
employment.  
4.232.   The current situation faced by the multilateral trading system has clearly resulte d in a 
slowdown in trade with Chinese Taipei's main trading partners, which has yielded encouraging but 
cyclical economic results.  
4.233.   However, I would like to congratulate Chinese Taipei's authorities on the structural trade 
reforms that they have implemented  in recent years to address this slowdown. We particularly 
welcome the reforms linked to trade facilitation, which were implemented through the ratification of 
the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation in 2015, the adoption of a Customs Act that regulates th e 
implementation of this Agreement, the introduction of measures to enhance the integration of online 
operations with the Customs -Port-Trade Single Window, the facilitation of the exchange of 
certificates of origin, and the introduction of expeditious cust oms clearance services. We believe that 
all of these trade facilitation measures will be of great benefit to all Members.  
4.234.   I wish to draw attention to our excellent bilateral relations with Chinese Taipei, in which we 
have promoted strong economic, politica l, cultural and trade cooperation. I must also mention that 
Paraguay and Chinese Taipei have signed major economic agreements, such as an agreement on 
air transport, an agreement establishing a mutual investment guarantee, an agreement to prevent 
double ta xation and tax evasion with regard to income tax, and an agreement on economic 
cooperation.  
4.235.   During the period under review, trade flows in both directions have increased. However, 
levels of trade are considerably below their potential. The main products ex ported from Paraguay to 
Chinese Taipei are cereals and oilseeds, meat, various foodstuffs and charcoal.  
4.236.   I am pleased that Paraguay has maintained strong ties with Chinese Taipei in terms of 
cultural and technological exchange. In this regard, I would like to mention the creation, in 2018, of 
the Taiwan -Paraguay Polytechnic University, through Law No.  6.096 of 31  May 2018. The 
Polytechnic University will aim to become a higher education institution that is nationally and 
internationally renowned for its acad emic quality and innovation. This status will be achieved through 
the application of theoretical and practical knowledge, accredited academic programmes, and 
cutting -edge educational technology that meets the expectations of society and young Paraguayan 
entrepreneurs who want to make an effective entry into the labour market. The courses will follow 
educational plans used in highly prestigious universities in Chinese Taipei, and the teaching faculty 
will comprise professors from Chinese Taipei with experien ce in disciplines related mainly to 
engineering.  
4.237.   Regarding the questions submitted by Members during the review, Paraguay would like to 
know more about those relating to specific trade concerns and the data used to support the ban on 
genetically -modified i ngredients in the area of technical barriers to trade. We also wish to know more 
about the questions on the procedures to establish the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for 
pesticides, contaminants and veterinary medicines that do not meet international refer ence 
standards (Codex Alimentarius, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the 
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)), and the questions on the traceability system for 
genetically modified food raw materials with regard to sanitary and phytosanitary measures.  
4.238.   Within the WTO, we appreciate Chinese Taipei's support for the multilateral trading system 
and we draw attention to the joint work carried out by Paraguay and Chinese Taipei on e -commerce, 
investment facilitation and support for  micro, small and medium -sized enterprises. In this regard, 
Paraguay wishes to reiterate what was said by both Members at the Buenos Aires Ministerial 
Conference in December  2017 on their deep dedication to multilateralism and their commitment to WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  the rules -based multilateral trading system and open trade. Paraguay supports these priority areas 
and once again urges all Members to push forward the WTO's objectives and address the challenges 
of the 21st century.  
4.239.   On behalf of my delegation, I wish to once again  congratulate those leading this review and 
the authorities of Chinese Taipei for their continuously active participation in and contribution to the 
work of this Organization.  
TURKEY  
4.240.   As a trade -driven economy, Chinese Taipei continues to be a very open eco nomy and 
remains among the most competitive economies in the world.  
4.241.   In addition, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, it was ranked in the 15th 
place in 2018. It is also recognized as having one of the most efficient IPR enforcement system  in 
the region.  
4.242.   In addition, Chinese Taipei successfully attracts inbound investments especially in services 
sectors and electronic manufacturing through liberalization policies and trade agreements. Outbound 
direct investment flows from Chinese Taipei is  also steadily growing, where Turkey also started to 
be a destination for investors.  
4.243.   The trade facilitation developments including the ratification of the TFA and the 
improvements of the Customs -Port-Trade Single Window are also significant steps taken in 
expediting customs clearance services.  
4.244.   The ma croeconomic policies which help  Chinese Taipei take its place in various global value 
chains is no doubt effective.  
4.245.   Since the last review, Chinese Taipei had a modest annual growth rate of 2.3%, which seems 
to be limited mainly by the slowdown in world trade.  
4.246.   Due to weak internal demand and falling global oil prices, average current account surplus 
increased in the review period. We see that unemployment rate also dropped to 3.8% in this period, 
which is a sign to existing industrial capacity.  
4.247.   Being also vulnerable to developments in the global economy and responding the strong 
competition from emerging economies seem as the main challenges ahead of Chinese Taipei.  
4.248.   To overcome these challenges, we believe that the ongoing reforms to increase the flexibility 
and effectiveness of institutions, the 17th midterm development plan for the period 2017 -2020 and 
the 5+2 Industrial Innovation Plan are important blueprints.  
4.249.   On the other hand, importing nearly 98% of its e nergy supply, Chinese Taipei is highly 
sensitive to global energy prices. The success of the reform program me which aims to increase the 
share of domestically pr oduced renewable energy to 20% in the overall energy mix by 2025 will be 
important in this aspe ct.  
4.250.   Chinese Taipei is a valuable trading partner of Turkey in the East Asia and we think there 
are still ample opportunities to exploit in trade, investments and tourism.  In 2017, our bilateral trade 
volume realized US$2.2 billion.  
4.251.   However, in our bilate ral trade, Turkey is experiencing a big deficit, which is not sustainable 
in the long run. We believe this unbalanced trade pattern has to move towards a balance and we 
should work together to improve and balance our bilateral relations, with regard to tra de in goods, 
services and investments. We note that easing the procedures and further liberalization for 
agricultural goods to Chinese Ta ipei will help in this regard.  
4.252.   Chinese Taipei is always providing utmost support to uphold multilateral system and actively 
involved in the discussions at the WTO with a constructive approach.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  4.253.   At this point, let us also applaud our colleague s working in the Geneva Mission  for their har d 
work and valuable contribution to the activities under this roof.  
4.254.   Finally, we would like to mention our appreciation to be given the opportunity to make our 
points known on the trade policy of Chinese Taipei and we wish them a very successful review.  
  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE SEPARATE CUS TOMS TERRITORY OF 
TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINM EN AND MATSU  AND ADDITIONAL COMM ENTS  
5.1.  First of all, on behalf of my g overnment, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the 
Chair, the discussant, the Secretaria t and Members for your valuable com ments and contributions 
to our Trade Policy R eview.  
5.2.  We come to th is Trade Policy R eview with a goal to further enhance the transparency of our 
trade policy and to s eek feedback from all Members. We very much appreciate th e insightful and 
constructive comments from Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen and nearly 30 delegations that either 
took the floor or shared their written statements with us.  
5.3.  Some Members recognize our efforts to extend the public consultation period for new le gislation 
to 60 days, and a user -friendly website has been established to facilitate open discussion. Members 
also made positive comments on our Customs -Port-Trade Single Window. Several Members 
expressed their interests in our innovative development and d eregulation of financial services, 
including the financial sandbox mechanism, and the streamline on opening banking accounts. We 
are pleased to receive the recognition from Members on our economic and trade developments that 
took place during the review pe riod. 
5.4.  We are also pleased that our Aid  for Trade program mes are well -received from our partners, 
we will continue our efforts to respond to the needs of developing and LDCs for sustainable 
development, and assist their further integration into the global t rading system. We wo uld also like 
to state that my g overnment would not claim the special and differential treatment granted to 
developing country Members in the future rounds of WTO negotiations.  
5.5.  Now, I would also like to take this opportunity to respond to a few concerns raised on 
Wednesday.  
Food safety and SPS  
5.6.  First, with regard to  our SPS measures, I understand some Members are concerned about our 
food safety standards and relevant import regulations. During the review period, a series of food 
safety incidents happened in the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Ki nmen, an d Matsu. 
Food safety has therefore become a highly sensitive issue for us. As a result, consumers, consumer 
protection groups and legislators are highly concerned about the safety of food and related products. 
To ensure the food safety and rebuild consumer  confidence, we will continue to conduct risk 
assessment, risk communication and necessary risk management in order to protect public health 
and ensure our measures are in line with WTO rules.  
5.7.  Second, we are currently building an online inquiry system for MRL applications to improve 
transparency and efficiency. The system is expected to launch by the end of this year. Very soon, 
applicants will be able to track the progress of the application online. I would also like  to let you 
know that this week  we issue d a revised standard for pesticides residues in food, which added and 
modified forty -three residue levels to various agricultural products for 10 kinds of pesticides.  
5.8.  Third, we notice that some Members expressed their concerns on the issue of disease -free 
zoning. As a Member of the WTO and OIE, we recognize the zoning principle and follow the 
international standards and conduct risk assessments based on scientific evidences to evaluate all 
applications.  
IPR 
5.9.  Fourth, as some M embers stated on Wednesday, my g overnment has been actively 
modernizing IPR legal framework in recent years in order to provide right holders with more 
comprehensive protection of their interests. In addition, we have been eagerly engaging in 
international cooperation on IPR matters with many Members. Those achievements are widely 
accepted and accredited. However, as the Internet is constantly evolving, online infringement is an 
issue we must continue to make efforts on enforcement and online piracy combatting.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  Agriculture  
5.10.   Fifth, regarding  notification of our domestic support, we attach great importance to 
transparency, and will submit our notification on the domestic support of agriculture as soon as 
possible.  
5.11.   Sixth, some Members inquired about our progress on combatting IUU fishing activi ties. We 
fully support sustainable management of marine resources. Thus, we have actively participated in 
the WTO negotiation on fishery subsidy. We also firmly support the elimination of subsidies that 
contribute to IUU fishing. Furthermore , in the early 2017, we promulgated the Act for Distant Water 
Fisheries, the Act of Govern Investment in the Operation of Foreign Flag Vessels, and amended the 
Fisheries Act and several related regulations in order to strengthen the management of fishing 
vessels and fish ery sector. With these efforts, we are confident that the IUU fishing activities will be 
effectively eradicated.  
Transportation  
5.12.   Lastly, one Member raised concerns regarding the exclusion from bidding for our railway 
project and opening of shipping route. A ctually, several transport -related contracts have been 
awarded to the Member’s suppliers from 2017 to 2018. And we are willing to discuss the issue of 
opening of shipping route with that Member.  
Conclusion  
5.13.   This concludes our brief response to some of the i mportant issues you raised on Wednesday. 
We will respond to other questions submitted after the deadline within 30 days. Every question, 
comment and feedback we received contributes to our efforts to further promote trade liberalization 
and improve the dom estic business environment.  
5.14.   Finally, on behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I 
would like to express our sincerest appreciation to the Chair, our discussant Ambassador Marc 
Vanheukelen, the Secretariat and all Membe rs. Thank you very much.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.15.   First, I would like to thank Vice -Minister Ms. Wang and the Permanent Representative Dr. Chu 
and both of their teams for all the hard work you have put into this TPR in providing answers to the 
over 400 questions by 22 M embers. I understand that in meantime you have received some 
additional and follow -up questions, for which you will provide answers within the timelines foreseen 
for this exercise.  
5.16.   I would like  to organiz e my comments today as the d iscussant with a look b ack to the main 
messages we heard on the first day – both positive as well as some critical – that Chinese Taipei 
could take back home for further reflection and consideration. These comments probably will not do 
full justice to the very comprehensive disc ussion we had and should be therefore regarded more as 
an "executive summary" of the main recurrent points raised.  
5.17.   Perhaps the first thing to flag is the clear common denominator that all Members in this room 
shared and specifically mentioned in their sta tements. It is the constructive role and participation of 
Chinese Taipei in the work of this Organization – both everyday work and negotiations and the new 
initiatives - and its continued commitment to open and rules -based multilateral trading system.  
5.18.   I also heard praises for Chinese Taipei's strong fundamentals of an outward -looking economy, 
the resilience of its export -led economy, and its macro -financial stability. It was universally observed 
that Chinese Taipei is among the world's most competitive and prosperous economies and remains 
open to international trade and is well integrated into the world economy and global value chains. 
In this regard it is of great systemic interest to hear the announcement the Vice -Minister of Economic 
Affairs just made  that Chinese Taipei will not ask for  special and differential treatment in future WTO 
negotiations.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  5.19.   Members also took a strong interest in the new initiatives that have been adopted during the 
period under review to boost the economy and improve competit iveness of Chinese Taipei: the 
Development Plan (2017 -2020), the "5+2" Industrial Innovation Plan, the Forward -Looking 
Infrastructure Development Programme and the ongoing labour market reforms will create more 
flexible framework conditions, that will be c onducive to meeting emerging challenges.  
5.20.   Chinese Taipei's regional connectivity and integration was mentioned too on several 
occasions, specifically the new Southbound Policy.  
5.21.   We heard appreciation for the non -reciprocal preferences to all LDCs and contr ibutions to Aid -
for-Trade and other assistance initiatives. Members welcomed that during the review period, trade 
and trade -related structural reforms in , for instance,  the areas of trade facilitation, taxation, 
competition policy and intellectual property rights were undertaken.  
5.22.   However, Trade Policy Review is not only an exercise of praise. Vice -Minister, you said yourself 
in your opening statement on Wednesday that y ou "believe that questions and critiques are the best 
driving force for progress". Most Members mentioned some areas where there is still scope for 
improvements in terms of balance or dive rsification or further liberaliz ation of their trade relations 
with Chinese Taipei. I would now like to highlight a few of these areas.  
5.23.   The area that stood out  most is the SPS regime. We heard concerns about the consideration 
of international standards when establishing restrictions on imports from countries with animal 
disease; regulatory measures to improve food safety of locally produced food items; delays on issue 
of sanitary certificate for unprocessed imported foodstuffs; restrictions on certain imports of beef, 
pork and poultry products and slow processing times for  Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) of 
pesticides on imports and in some circumstances a zero tolerance level for pesticides on imports. 
Here as well some new and promising announcements were made this morning by Chinese Taipei.  
5.24.   While Members welcomed the rati fication of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015 
and several other trade facilitation efforts, we also heard a few expressions of concern about 
burdensome import procedures and high cost or delays caused by international or domestic 
transportation.   
5.25.   Several Members also noted that production of various agricultural products remains 
protected by high tariffs (up to 1,059.6%), special safeguard measures and various support 
mechanisms and encouraged Chinese Taipei to consider reducing protection and ex isting subsidies 
and support. All Members also strongly encouraged submitting the most recent notification s on 
agricultural domestic support that is still pending.  
5.26.   Ongoing effort s by Chinese Taipei to liberaliz e its regulatory settings affecting investmen t 
environment and the establishment of an online public policy platform were welcomed by many and 
it is hoped that the post -investment registration mechanism will be soon implemented. As the 
services industry continues to be the driving force of GDP and em ployment, Chinese Taipei was also 
encouraged to consider further l iberaliz ing its services trade regime to attract foreign direct 
investment.  
5.27.   While it was overall positively noted that Chinese Taipei has made an appropriate 
implementation of TRIPS and stre ngthened its IPR protection, more efforts were recommended to 
combat the problems of counterfeiting and piracy. Chinese Taipei was also called on to review its 
public procurement methods and procedures to ensure transparency and fairness to all WTO parties  
on a few occasions.  
5.28.   Chair, this TPR has allowed Members to learn about the recent developments in Chinese Taipei 
as well as given them opportunity improve the understanding of Chinese Taipei's trade policy and 
express a few suggestions on the practices w here they still see possible room for further 
improvements. This is the very purpose  of the Trade Policy Review exercise, and the TPR of this 
week has demonstrated again its usefulness.  
5.29.   I trust that Chinese Taipei takes advantage of this exercise and will  take some of these 
remarks back home as "a plan of action" to build upon the success already achieved and guide it in 
its next steps to further liberaliz e its trade and investment policy.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  5.30.   I would be amiss if I did not conclude with another Chinese proverb : "A goal without deadline 
is only a wish. A dream with a deadline becom es a goal ". That next deadline is now the 5th Trade 
Policy Review of Chinese Taipei in 5 years  time. 
5.31.   Let me close by thanking Chinese Taipei once again to have  given me the honour to b e the 
discussant for this R eview. Thank you.  
ESWATINI  
5.32.   The Kingdom of Eswatini has had an enduring strong and mutually beneficial relationship with 
Chinese Taipei that has spanned all of 5 decades. The two of us have cooperated closely in the areas 
of educa tion, health, agriculture, economic development, amongst others, and in light of this 
partnership, we are very pleased to be part of her 4th Trade Policy Review. My delegation further 
notes with appreciation that in the period under review, Chinese Taipei’ s economy has continued to 
progress toward trade and investment liberalization and further integration into the global economy 
and economic diversification.  
5.33.   We further note that it has maintained its position among the world's most competitive 
economies, and hence the highe st living standards it enjoys. We commend Chinese Taipei for the 
trade and t rade-related structural reforms  in the areas of trade facilitation, taxation, competition 
policy and intellectual property rights that were undertaken.  
5.34.   My delegation also acknowledges the  critical role played by Trade F acilitation in any regional 
integration initiative, as well as the positive impact that reforms in these are as have on improving 
an economy' s ease of doing business. As such, my delegation com mends Chinese Taipei for its 
ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, in 2015; the enhancement of integration of online 
operations with the Customs -Port-Trade Single Window; facilitation in the exchange of certificates 
of origin; and also the intr oduction of expeditious customs clearance services, amongst others.  
5.35.   While commending the progress made by Chinese Taipei, from the last Trade Policy Review 
in 2014, we further encourage them to double their efforts in fast -tracking improvements in the 
relevant areas of concern such as the domestic environment for ease of doing business, as we have 
witnessed a slight drop from 11th position to 15th position. As others have stated before us, 
Chinese  Taipei is also encouraged to expedite its efforts in streng thening regulatory transparency, 
removing perceived discriminatory trade barriers and facilitating regulatory harmonization in 
accordance with international standards.  
5.36.   In conclusion, my delegation reiterates its support for the ambitious trade and develop ment 
agenda of Chinese Taipei and wishes ongoing success as it continue s to implement elements of its 
trade and economic reform agenda.  We wish a successful Trade Policy Review  and wish the entire 
delegation  a safe trip back to Taipei.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.37.   The E U would like to thank the delegation of Chinese Taipei for th e comprehensive replies to 
our apparently quite numerous questions  after all . We thank Chinese Taipei again for using the 
alternative timeline which has  allowed us to review the re plies in advanc e of the meeting and  we do 
not have any follow -up questions.  
5.38.   In our statement on the first day , we asked  Chinese Taipei to help us in looking forward to 
fruitful discussion on the future of this Organization and, in this regard, we do welcome the 
announce ment Chinese Taipei about not claiming special and differential treatment in future WTO 
negotiations . This constitutes an important announcement and it demonstrates much needed 
leadership in this Organiz ation.  
5.39.   The EU firmly believes in the need f or flexible approaches in this Organiz ation which take into 
account the actual developmenta l needs of each individual M ember while allowing us to make 
progress in  the negotiating pillar of our Organiz ation. As such, this is an important step in the broader 
context of our conversation on WTO modernization and we are looking forward and confident that  
together we can bring this dialogue further.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  5.40.   We took also good note of Chinese Taipei's remarks on various issues  that we have raised in 
our statement  on the firs t day, such as the notification on the agricultural domestic support – the 
EU attaches great importance to transparency – and some SPS related matters.  
5.41.   Coming back to the announcement on special and differential treatment, in this regard we 
also t ake note of the steps undertaken  by Chinese Taipei on fishery subsidies and on fishery 
management. It is a very important announcement as well and we look forward to cooperate with 
Chinese Taipei in reaching an agreement here in Geneva as we committed to do in Buen os Aires by 
2019.  
5.42.   In conclusion, we hope that Chinese Taipei will make full use of the remarks and 
recommendations of the WTO Members as well as the d iscussant to continue with the reforms and 
further improving its trade and investment policy in order to a chieve its goals of sustained economic 
growth and increased productivity. We would like to thank again the Secretariat, the Chinese Taipei 
delegation, in particular the Mission here in Geneva and you, Minister, for the efforts and the work  
that you have pu t in all of this exercise. And we look forward to taking further stock of the progress 
achieved by Chinese Taipei at the next TPR in 5 years' time.  
JAPAN  
5.43.   Japan commends the statement delivered  by the Vice Minister, Ms.  Mei-Hua Wang  this 
morning that Chinese Taipei will not ask S&D treatment in any future negotiations.  
5.44.   Japan believes that this is a real epoch -making statement which will contribute greatly to the 
ongoing discussion on the S&D at the WTO.  
5.45.   Japan expects that other emer ging Members will follow Chinese Taipei.  
5.46.   Also, Japan truly appreciates the continuous efforts of Chinese Taipei for the liberalization of 
its market.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.47.   We would like to sincerely thank you, Chair, the team's head of delegation, Ms. Wang, and 
Ambassador Vanheukelen for your clear and insightful remarks this morning. And we would like to 
express our appreciation to the entire delegation of Chinese Taipei for the constructive and diligent 
efforts in this fourth Trade Policy Review with a  special re cognition for Dr. Chu and our Geneva -
based colleagues.  
5.48.   We appreciate the summary given of the discussion from Day 1 of this TPR and the detailed 
and informative responses received to our 48 previous ly submitted  questions. Our authorities in 
Washington are still studying them closely and could not resist submitting an additional six follow -up 
questions this morning.  
5.49.   Without going into an exhaustive description of those follow -up questions this morning, we 
will mention now that the questions address export fi nancing programmes which cover agricultural 
products, SPS measures including any plans to improve the process for establishing minimum 
residue levels of pesticides to avoid unnecessary delays, and questions about possible reforms to 
competition law.  
5.50.   Thank you to the delegation for addressing some of the issues of importance raised by the 
United States, including liberalization of the trade and investment regime and much appreciated 
efforts to further improve transparency through requirements for notice in common periods with 
respect to draft and revised regulations.  
5.51.   In addition, the US takes good note and we lcomes the statement by Ms. Wang  this morning 
that Chinese Taipei will not claim special and differential treatment in future negotiations. We look 
forwa rd to following up with our colleagues form Chinese Taipei to learn more and explore the 
implications of this.  WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  5.52.   As mentioned on Day 1 of this TPR, the United States would like to highlight its concern about 
unwarranted  restrictions on beef and pork market access. We would also encourage  alignment of 
SPS measures with science -based international standards and practices and a commitment to 
address more timely issuance of approvals.  
5.53.   We have also note d well other themes wit h widespread  interest in this TPR discussion , such 
as anticipated notifications with regard to domestic support for agriculture, government procurement 
and the role of large conglomerate. Washington follows these and other issues with great interest.  
5.54.   The U nited States very much appreciates  its robust relations hip with Chinese Taipei in trade 
and beyond, including our 153 sister cities and many cultural and education exchange opportunities. 
We greatly value our strong commercial and investment ties , and appr eciate the delegation's 
proactive engagement here in many efforts such as fishery subsidies, services negotiations and 
efforts through trade liberalization and capacity building.  
5.55.   We would like to congratulate the delegation and the TPR division's team on a  successful TPR 
and to wish everyone travelling back to Taipei a safe and pleasant  journey. We look forward to 
continued cooperative work with our friends here. 
MS. MEI HUA  WANG  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.56.   As we come towards the end of this meeting, I would like to thank all of you who have provided 
us with valuable comments. We will endeavour  to provide answers to the questions submitted after 
the deadline or made orally at this meeting. We will also welcome follow -up communications  with 
all fellow WTO Members in  the multilateral and bilateral forum. Thank you again for the hospitality 
and friendship offered to my delegation. I wish you all the best.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan,  Penghu, Kinmen 
and Matsu (Chinese Taipei) has offered us a good opportunity to deepen our understanding of recent 
developments in, and challenges to, its trade, economic, and investment policies. Since its last 
review in 2014, Chinese Taipei's initiatives  to further integrate into the multilateral trading system 
have been greatly appreciated. Indeed, the more than 400 advance written questions su bmitted by 
22 Members and the 29  delegations that took the floor during the two days of the meeting underline 
the importance attached by Members to Chinese Taipei's trade and investment policies and practices.  
6.2.  I would like to thank the Chinese Taipei delegation, led by the Vice Minister, Ministry of 
Economic Affairs, Ms. Mei -Hua Wang, for its active participation i n this exercise. Also, I would like 
to thank our discussant Ambassador Marc Vanheukelen of the European Union for his insightful 
remarks, and all the delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions to this Review.  
6.3.  Members commended Chines e Taipei for its macroeconomic management and for the reforms 
undertaken so far that ensured strong, albeit fluctuating, growth coupled with low inflation and 
dropping unemployment, as well as the resilience of its outward -oriented competitive economy and 
high living standards. Members acknowledged Chinese Taipei's integration into the world economy 
and global value chains as well as the be neficial effects o f structural reforms in various areas. Some 
Members encouraged further reforms to cope with increased  competition from emerging economies.  
6.4.  Chinese Taipei was commended for its transparent and predictable trade policies as well as its 
initiatives to create a friendlier business and investment environment including: investment regime 
liberalization; suppor t to SMEs and entrepreneurs; increased transparency in the process of 
developing regulations; and reduction of restrictions on the recruitment of overseas professionals. 
Chinese Taipei was encouraged to: improve the transparency and predictability of its i nvestment 
review process and/or to move forward with a simpler post -investment registration system; continue 
removing investment barr iers; and  apply a non -discriminatory regime towards foreign  investors and 
traders.  
6.5.  Chinese Taipei has remained committed t o an open and rules -based multilateral trading system 
while expanding regional and extra -regional integration through recent RTAs signed with Singapore, 
New Zealand and Paraguay, and a New Southbound Policy, for which more information was sought. 
Members h ighly appreciated Chinese Taipei's active and constructive participation in the WTO's work 
including in the areas of e -commerce, services domestic regulation, investment facilitation, MSMEs 
and Environmental Goods Agreement negotiations. They also commende d its expanding WTO 
commitments including through the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the 
implementation of ITA 2 by 2021 and the acceptance of the revised GPA, as well as for supporting 
LDCs. Members acknowledged Chinese Taipei's s trong record of WTO notification while urging the 
submission of an up -to-date notification on domestic support in agriculture.  
6.6.  Members appreciated Chinese Taipei's trade facilitation initiatives, for example in the areas of 
legislative amendments, single window, Authorized Economic Operators and certificates of origin, 
and encouraged continuous improvements. Members noted its comprehensive tariff binding 
coverage and the slight decrease of the simple average MFN applied tariff rate but also the persisting 
complexity of the tariff structure. Several concerns were expressed about certain TBT and SPS 
requirements, and certain Members urged the removal or review of a number of measures on food, 
medicines and chemicals, including those relating to Maximum Residu e Levels and genetically 
modified food, as well as to ensure their scientific basis and alignment to international standards. 
Chinese Taipei was encouraged to undertake improvements in public procurement, including the 
expansion of the coverage of its GPA commitments. The persistence of public sector involvement in 
the economy was noted and further privatization was encouraged. Members appreciated the 
strengthening and enforcement enhancement of intellectual property rights; nevertheless, due to 
persisting concerns, they encouraged Chinese Taipei to continue these efforts in certain IPR areas.  
6.7.  As at the time of its previous Review, Chinese Taipei was urged to further liberalize its 
agriculture sector, with concerns being expressed about high tariffs, tariff  rate quotas and subsidies. 
Chinese Taipei was applauded for, and encouraged to continue with  efforts to tackle illegal, 
unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries. Members were interested in hearing more about Chinese 
Taipei's energy reform programme and any incentives being offered under the Five Plus -Two WT/TPR/M/377 • Separate Customs Territory of Taiw an, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu  
 
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  Industries Innovation Plan. Members noted reforms undertaken in the banking, securities and the 
Fintech segments, and considered that there was further scope for financial services liberalization 
and ind eed services liberalization more generally. Chinese Taipei was also asked to remove certain 
shipping restrictions.  
6.8.  The delegation from Chinese Taipei provided answers to several of these issues. It also stated 
that Chinese Taipei will not claim the special  and differential treatment granted to developing country 
Members in future negotiations in the WTO.  
6.9.  The above are some of the key issues that had emerged in our discussion. I hope that the 
Chinese Taipei delegation will take into account and further refle ct on the many constructive 
comments, both broad and detailed, that it has received during this Review. Finally, I would like to 
thank all those that participated in our discussion, and I look forward to receiving the answers from 
Chinese Taipei to any out standing questions within the next month, at which point the Review will 
be successfully concluded.  
__________