Search

The article refers to United States government agencies which take a scientific approach to resource management and reports on a study which evaluated the effectiveness of American foreign aid to Taiwan. The evaluation model contains a target variable representing Taiwan's development, an instrumental variable for the amount of investment, and the over-all measure of development based on the gross national product. Seven criteria for evaluating the economic assistance program and the problem of determining multiplier effects of aid on total investment are mentioned, as well as 4-sector and 2-sector economic models for evaluating inter- and intrasectorial allocations. Five steps in the scientific approach to resource management include fixing goals and selecting the optimal program.

The U.S.-anchored TPP and the China-centered RCEP may be compatible or in rivalry. Regardless of the future relationship of the two trade pacts, Taiwan does not have the luxury of picking and choosing. Given its domestic entrenched political cleavages and very challenging geo-strategic and geo-economic environments it faces, Taiwan should pursue membership in both blocs. Indeed, pursuing one can help its bid for the other. Should Taiwan be excluded from both, its economy would not be doomed, as there are still some unrealized trade benefits to exploit. However, a Taiwan not able to join the two clubs would have to absorb psychological and real impacts. Whether as an outsider or insider of the two trade blocs, Taiwan will have to go through industrial upgrading in a big way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), led by the United States, aims to create a comprehensive and high-standard twenty-first century agreement. Given that the TPP is likely to transform the regional trade landscape in the future, its final shape will profoundly impact Taiwan's trade-driven economy. Since Taiwan's economic strengths have been built on its robust electronics industry, how the TPP alters regional electronic supply chains and challenges Taiwan's electronics industry are crucial questions for investigation. This paper intends to unravel the possible consequences of the TPP on Taiwan's electronics sector by using economic analysis and modeling. The findings highlight the significance of the TPP to Taiwan's electronics industry and are followed by policy proposals intended to sustain Taiwan's global competitiveness in electronics sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proponents of the TPP describe it as a 21st-century agreement that will reach further into domestic economies and domestic policy settings than conventional free trade and investment agreements. Beyond the traditional approach that deals with trade barriers between borders, TPP negotiations attempt to tackle issues behind the border by addressing how policies should be formulated and managed domestically. The TPP is unique in targeting the philosophy and processes, as well as the substance, of domestic policy and regulatory decisions. The paper examines this "behind-the-border" approach by the TPP. The leaked chapter on regulatory coherence illustrates an attempt to establish institutional and procedural frameworks for the conduct of domestic regulations. In light of the proposed TPP obligations regarding regulatory coherence, this paper reviews the challenges and opportunities faced by Taiwan if it becomes involved in TPP negotiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a comprehensive trade agreement with higher standards than any existing Free Trade Agreement. Taiwan believes continuing economic prosperity depends on being in the second round group of countries to join after the TPP is established. There are two major considerations. First is the "China factor." Continuing economic relations with China are critical to Taiwan's prosperity. Economic consideration plus China's unwavering opposition to any evolution of a two China policy limits Taiwan's freedom of maneuver. Second are necessary modifications to and restructuring of Taiwan's economy if it is to sustain further effective economic globalization including TPP membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-Taiwan Straits economic interaction is a political as well as an economic issue. General trends of economic interdependence and globalization that are weakening the role of the nation state should promote a focus of shared 'civilian governance' between Taiwan and mainland China. WTO entry will provide opportunities as well as challenges for cross-Strait economic relations. In anticipation of this dynamic, the new government in Taiwan is attempting to design a new national security web to guarantee Taiwan's 'economic security' in coping with Taiwan's increasing economic dependence on mainland China. As one key agent of globalization, economic cooperation in the urban areas on both sides of the Taiwan Strait may potentially improve relations between Taiwan and mainland China. As decentralization and privatization on mainland China proceed, major cities have developed closer interaction and systems of accountability with the civil society. From a prudent perspective, developing functional cooperation between Taiwan and mainland China at the urban level could be a first substantial step to confidence building between these two economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]