On May 19, 2015 the Department of Applied Economics Student Association of National University of Kaohsiung, Asian-Pacific Youth Associations of National Taiwan University and National Chengchi University, and the Regional Development Study Center of Chung-hua Institution for Economic Research jointly hosted a forum on the impacts and challenges to Taiwan with the signing of the China-Korea FTA at the National University of Kaohsiung. The afternoon event fused theoretical and practical perspectives from the industrial sector, academic institutions, and government agencies for heated discussions on the impacts and challenges that Taiwan faces with regional integration.
This forum attracted the participation of approximately 170 students, where Deputy Director-general Chen-Jung Hsiao informed the students of the government’s effort to help enhance product competitiveness, while at the same time strives to provide a fair competitive environment for the industries. Other panelists also pointed out the many challenges Taiwan must face on tariffs restrictions of non-FTA products from Taiwan, and the fact an FTA with Taiwan can protect Taiwan’s investment in other countries. Panelists gave examples of how an FTA helps the petrochemical and machinery industries and urged the government to sign FTA with other countries at the earliest possible.
The student audience raised questions on whether an FTA benefits only large enterprises and whether related measures are in place to safeguard the interests of the people. The panelists gave thorough explanations to each question asked. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will continue to host similar forums on campuses to keep the dialogue open between students and the government.