New Southbound Policy Q&A

‘Taiwan does not need to compete with others, but must instead try its best to make use of its strengths.’

The News Lens
Date: 2016/09/05
By: Yuan-ling Liang

Following news on Friday that President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) Presidential Office-level New Southbound Policy Coordination Office is to be merged with the Executive Yuan, the Cabinet today held a press conference to officially launch the new initiative.

National Development Council (NDC) Deputy Minister Kao Shien-quey (高仙桂) said the policy comports four main directions: economic and trade cooperation, interactions between professionals, sharing resources, and connecting local regions.

Kao said ASEAN countries have a total population of 600 million while India has 1.3 billion, and is a potential market for Taiwan as an alternative to China. The New Southbound Policy targets 18 countries, including the ASEAN nations, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Australia, and New Zealand.

“[Most of these countries] are growing, and they need infrastructure,” which is an opportunity for Taiwan, Kao said.     [FULL  STORY]