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Taiwan

The 14th largest trading economy in the world, Taiwan has maintained its position as a high-tech manufacturing economy with world-class products and capabilities. It produces around 20% of the world’s computer hardware, and its semiconductor industry has captured leading positions in IC design, foundry and ROM production. It’s an impressive achievement for a population of 22.5m.

Such a high exposure to world technology markets has, however, left Taiwan vulnerable to the global tech wreck and post-9/11 slowdown. Its economy suffered a contraction of 2.18% for the first time in 2001; however, recovery came in 2002 as markets gradually recovered.

The ability of Taiwan’s economy to stand strong and un-wavering amid international economic weakness, and to recover quickly, is due to the island’s solid industrial foundation, its comprehensive division of labour system, its complete industrial chains and cluster effect, and a nimble mode of operational cooperation that allows rapid response to market needs. Ever-increasing amounts of lower-value manufacturing are shifted to mainland China, while the highest value-adding projects remain in Taiwan.

The country’s ‘Operation Headquarters Plan’ foresees greater efficiency in its logistics operations through development of its seaports and airports in northern, central and southern Taiwan, along with convenient access roads and highly effective management mechanisms. As the Minister details in the following article, Taiwan also plans to introduce increasing privatisation of certain port functions, and to consider Free Port Zones, allowing simplified transhipment, customs clearance and other procedures.

Geoecon stats: DFAT Australia. 2002 figures unless stated.
Port stats: ISL Port Data Base. 2001 unless stated.

Port of Kaohsiung