Headline News
Call for EU – Taiwan investment agreement
At the first-ever European Union Investment Forum held in Taiwan on Sept. 22, President Tsai Ing-wen called for the opening of negotiations on an investment agreement with the EU.
“By negotiating a bilateral investment agreement, a solid existing foundation can become a cornerstone of future success. A BIA is the key to this success and will help us all thrive in the digital age,” the President said, adding that the move would allow both sides to benefit from global economic changes and from the rearranging of supply lines in a post-pandemic world.
EU Representative in Taiwan, Filip Grzegorzewski, said the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of world markets, and the time has come for Taiwan and the EU to “change ... before we have to,” to “work together” and “embrace new opportunities. The EU and Taiwan speak the common language of human rights, democracy and rule of law. We both share the values of an open, transparent and fair international trading system; we both aspire to create a sustainable, green and digital society,” Grzegorzewski said.
BERI: Taiwan 3rd best investment destination
Taiwan has been listed as the third best destination for global investment by the latest 2020 U.S. Business Environment Risk Intelligence (BERI) report, retaining its top spot in Asia.
Taiwan received a total score of 61 for profit opportunity recommendation (POR), which is determined by the three variables of operational risk, political risk, and exchange risk. The countries ahead of Taiwan in the rankings are Switzerland (1) and Norway (2).
Pentagon official slams incursions by Chinese jets
The intrusions by 18 Chinese warplanes into Taiwan's airspace on Sept. 18, were slammed by John Supple, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense.
"This is another example of (China) increasingly using its military as a tool of coercion with Taiwan and other neighbors," Supple said.
The Pentagon responded after the 18 warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan's Air Force, which scrambled jets and broadcast warnings to the Chinese military aircraft to leave.
The maneuvers came as U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach was in Taiwan on a three-day visit to attend a memorial service for former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui and meet with Taiwanese officials.
"Taiwan's security -- and its people's ability to determine their future, free from coercion -- remains a vital interest to the United States and is integral to regional security," Supple added. More recently in 14 days, 50 Chinese warplanes have intruded Taiwan’s airspace.
Economy & Society
Taiwan exports in August grew by stellar 13.6%
Taiwan’s exports in August totaled US$45.5 billion, rising for the sixth consecutive month and representing an annual growth of 13.6%, based on statistics from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The stellar performance can be attributed to the buoyant demand for high-end semiconductor products and remote technology-related goods. Exports for electronics and ICT products grew year-on-year by 28.2% and 26.4 %, respectively, while machinery and optical equipment exports saw 7% and 5.4% increases, respectively.
Jane Goodall Tang Prize winner 2020
Jane Goodall, British primatologist and the laureate of the 2020 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development, called for action to achieve a sustainable future for all, including respecting animals, mitigating climate change and controlling human population.
"We're going through pretty dark times right now, socially, politically and environmentally. We're in the midst of the sixth great extinction of plant and animal life," warned Goodall at the 2020 Tang Prize Master's Forum.
Goodall lamented that the current COVID-19 pandemic was a result of humans disrespecting mother nature and other animal species.
She cited the destruction of forests by human as one example, in which animal species are forced into close contact with humans, creating a situation where a pathogen can jump from animals to humans.
