Taiwan’s Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) published an annual white paper Monday calling for Taiwan to take advantage of the global trend toward “localization” by establishing itself as a regional logistics center.
At a news conference marking the paper’s release, CNFI Chairman Miao Feng-chiang (???) highlighted the impact on global trade and commerce of recent events such as the U.S.-China trade war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the dispersion of supply chains.
One result of these events, both for nations and corporations, has been a shift toward emphasizing regional and local development, Miao said, adding that the changes required adopting a new strategic approach centered on “globalized thinking and localized action.”
In light of these trends, he said, the CNFI was urging Taiwan to build on its existing foundation in manufacturing to establish itself as a regional logistics center in the post-COVID-19 era.
By positioning itself as a global access point to Asia-Pacific supply chains, Taiwan could both strengthen its international connections and diversify its domestic industries, he said.
Miao argued that currently, Taiwanese industry is overly-concentrated in the successful semiconductor sector, outside of which many traditional manufacturers and small-and-medium enterprises are struggling with rising inflation and shifting supply chains.
Following Taiwan’s record 275-percent rise in foreign investment during the first half of this year, Miao said that the country had a unique opportunity to transform its industrial structure, particularly if the government facilitated the process.
Specifically, Miao suggested that the government work to promote emerging industries, advance the development of key industrial components and material sectors, and expedite industrial technology transfers and domestic production.
At the press conference, Miao also called on the government to reconsider its opposition to nuclear power, arguing that the power source could support the country’s GDP growth while also reducing carbon emissions.
Source : Focus Taiwan News Channel