The 9th General Assembly of the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China, Chairman Lai Cheng-yi presents achievements

Speaking at the member representatives' conference at the Grand Hotel, General Chamber of Commerce Chairman Lai Cheng-yi pointed out that over the past year the Chamber has actively shuttled across the Taiwan Strait, striving to facilitate cross-strait negotiations on transit through Taichung, and finally heard the good news that implementation is expected in the second half of this year. "We are glad to see Taiwan is finally about to upgrade to Aviation 2.0," he said, believing that Taiwan's rise to become a major tourism destination with 30 million visitor arrivals is just around the corner.

The General Chamber of Commerce held its 9th second member representatives' conference in the grand assembly hall on the 12th floor of the Grand Hotel. Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng, Ministry of Finance Administrative Deputy Minister Hsu Yu-che, and senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior attended to offer guidance; member representatives also attended quite enthusiastically, with more than 400 people participating in total.

General Chamber of Commerce Chairman Lai Cheng-yi said that after the Chamber's economic and trade delegation visited the mainland in early July last year and raised the matter with NPC Chairman Yu Zhengsheng and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, subsequent cross-strait negotiations, including on financial cooperation, goods trade, and transit, had achieved very good results. Mainland Affairs Council Minister Hsia Li-yen also stated publicly yesterday that the two sides had reached a consensus, which is expected to be implemented in the second half of this year.

He expressed hope that the government would continue to strive with the mainland to facilitate the opening of negotiations this year on allowing mainland tourists to transit through Taiwan, and also provide short-term visa-free entry and other preferential services to increase passenger volume at Taoyuan Airport, make it easier for more international travelers to enter and leave Taiwan, and raise their willingness to visit Taiwan. At the same time, investment in developing the tourism industry must be stepped up, and more infrastructure must be built with the government's help. To achieve rapid growth in international tourists, our international aviation city plan must be accelerated, and construction of the third terminal and third runway must be sped up.

At the end of his speech, Lai Cheng-yi once again made a strong appeal, enthusiastically recommending Chamber Standing Director Hsu Shu-po to run for legislator-at-large. He said that all government industrial policies and laws must be reviewed and approved by the Legislative Yuan. Hsu Shu-po had served six terms as a legislator and had rich experience. If an industry representative could enter the Legislative Yuan, he would truly be able to speak for industry and seek the welfare of the business community.

Afterward, Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng responded enthusiastically in his speech to Hsu Shu-po's bid in the next legislative election. He affirmed Hsu Shu-po's performance when he previously served as a legislator, praising him for being active on the Finance Committee, clear-headed, and quick to respond, and able to offer good advice and services regarding Taiwan's investment environment. He expressed hope that Hsu could run on behalf of the Kuomintang. On issues such as shortening working hours and the long-term care insurance law, President Wang also promised to help industry negotiate with the government and enact appropriate laws to build a good business environment, which is also the proper role of the Legislative Yuan.

When Director Chiang Wen-jo of the Ministry of Economic Affairs spoke on behalf of the ministry, she mentioned four important bills recently promoted by the Department of Commerce, including the salary-increase clause in the Company Act, the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act, the Limited Partnership Act, and the close company system, as well as the promotion of Commerce 4.0, all in the hope of helping industry develop more flexibly. Chiang Wen-jo expressed hope that the Department of Commerce could become the business community's best partner and work together to create a better operating environment for the commercial service industry. Ministry of Finance Administrative Deputy Minister Hsu Yu-che thanked the Chamber for its long-term provision of good policy recommendations to the Ministry of Finance and wished the conference complete success and the members great prosperity.

In the second half of the year, the General Chamber of Commerce will busy itself with important activities including a meeting with the premier, the release of the 2015 industry white paper, the selection of outstanding merchants, and the Taipei International Cultural and Creative Life Exhibition, continuing to serve industry, build a good business environment and platform, and create a new glorious prospect for Taiwan's economy.