The government should promptly set a transparent electricity price and carbon fee review mechanism, and accelerate the development of renewable energy sources, the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham) said yesterday.
“The government should work with industry to enhance the investment climate, strengthen resilience and amplify Taiwan’s strategic economic positioning in the face of an uncertain future,” AmCham Taiwan chairman Dan Silver told a news conference to release its annual white paper.
The new administration of President William Lai (賴清德) has the chance to lead innovative changes that would future-proof Taiwan, the paper said.
Photo: CNA
There should be prompt and sustained efforts to implement a transparent electricity price and carbon fee review mechanism, accelerate the development of renewable energy sources, and address talent shortages, Silver said.
Stable electricity supply at predictable prices has been atop the list of concerns of many trade groups, with the ruling and opposition parties failing to see eye-to-eye on energy mix policies and answers as electricity demand mounts due to a boom in artificial intelligence applications, the paper said.
Taiwan, ranked among the world’s richest countries in terms of financial assets, stands at the threshold of a transformative era, it said.
“Taiwan should leverage its technological and political achievements to spur further economic growth, expand its global influence, and improve the quality of life of its people,” it said.
The paper advocates broadened and standardized adoption of a 60-day public notice and comment period for new regulations, similar transparency in lawmaking, increased healthcare funding and adoption of global standards across industries.
Only five of the 95 issues in last year’s white paper were resolved, although there is good progress on 25, Silver said, adding that he hopes for more frequent interaction with government agencies.
The chamber highlighted the business community’s unique role in providing Taiwan with vital connections in the international sphere.
It welcomes the opportunity to evaluate and enhance programs and offers to serve as a platform for sharing best practices and providing industry expertise that would help build a resilient future for Taiwan, it said.
The challenge of a rapidly aging population in Taiwan is exacerbating the urgent need for innovative governance to effectively navigate future complexities, Silver said, adding that more favorable immigration rules are an option to address the problem.
“Taiwan is an attractive destination for foreign professionals to stay and build career,” he said.
The chamber also called on Washington to ensure continued bipartisan support for Taiwan’s defense, finalization of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and continued effort to remove double taxation from bilateral investments.
It urged the US government to normalize high-level official visits and promote Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, including the WHO, Interpol and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
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