Given an exponential rise in locally transmitted COVID-19 case numbers (the vast majority of which have been mild or asymptomatic), Taiwan’s leaders have quickly begun working to develop a policy of “coexisting with the virus.” As during the initial outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, some fumbles have occurred as that policy coalesces, but once…
An impressive crowd of close to 550 members, guests, and government officials gathered at the Grand Hyatt Taipei on March 30 to celebrate the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan’s 54th annual Hsieh Nien Fan banquet. While the Hsieh Nien Fan serves as a way for the Chamber to thank its partners in the Taiwan…
In a recent online panel hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and joined by AmCham Taiwan President Andrew Wylegala, former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Barbara Weisel put Taiwan’s chances of concluding a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the U.S. at “zero,” at least in the near term. Weisel noted that the appetite in…
As Taiwan’s authorities rush to handle a growing number of imported COVID-19 cases and local cluster infections, speculation is increasing among individuals and businesses about the possible return of a Level 3 “soft lockdown” and what reviving such restrictions might mean for the island’s economy. Some businesses are beginning to prepare for another potentially long…
A sizeable crowd of over 200, including members, guests, high-ranking government officials, and other VIPs, converged at the Taipei Guest House in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District on December 8 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. Speaking at the event were President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu,…
AmCham Taiwan’s 2021 Healthy Aging Forum was held on November 24 at the W Hotel Taipei, drawing an audience of 128 members and their guests. The event, which featured speakers and panelists from government, academia, and industry, gave stage to a diverse range of viewpoints on the impact of Taiwan’s aging population and potential healthcare…
A climate change report published in November by a consortium of German NGOs placed Taiwan near the bottom of a list that ranked 63 countries based on such metrics as carbon emissions, renewable energy, and energy use. Overall, Taiwan received a “very low” performance rating. Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration has disputed the report’s findings, pointing…
As with every other difficult situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic so far, Taiwan handled its most severe outbreak of local infections this past summer admirably. When case numbers spiked in May and June, restrictions were quickly tightened. Although economically and socially burdensome, the strict new regime was effective in rapidly containing the outbreak, thanks…
AmCham Taiwan’s 2021 Healthcare Innovation Forum was held on October 25 at the Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, drawing an audience of 80 members and their guests. The Chamber was honored to gather industry leaders and experts in tech, innovation, and healthcare fields to explore the possibilities afforded by smart healthcare. Opening remarks at the…
The announcement in late September that Taiwan had submitted its formal application to join the 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was welcome news to AmCham Taiwan. While one of the Chamber’s chief advocacy goals is the conclusion of a U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement (BTA), the adjustments Taiwan must undertake to qualify for a…
