HELPING YOUR BUSINESS GROW INTERNATIONALLY

Taiwan
Business
Guide

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 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION Why Taiwan? 4

About this Business Guide 16
RESEARCHING THE MARKET Where to begin 17
How we can help you 20
MARKET ENTRY Choosing the right location 22
Establishing a presence 24
GETTING STARTED Finding a customer or partner 32
Due diligence 33
Employing staff 34
Language 36
Marketing 38
Interpreters 40
BUSINESS ISSUES AND Business etiquette 42
CONSIDERATIONS Intellectual property rights (IPR) 47
Procurement 48
Regulations, incentives and tax 49
Getting paid and financial issues 53
Insurance 55
Management, control and quality assurance 56
Bribery and corruption 57
Getting to Taiwan 58
Taiwanese CULTURE Politics 61
Current economic situation 62
Religion 63
Challenges 63
CONTACTS 64

Disclaimer
Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this document is
accurate, neither UK Trade & Investment nor its parent Departments (the Department for Business,
Innovation & Skills, and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office) accept liability for any errors, omissions
or misleading statements, and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of
any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned.

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 INTRODUCTION
WHY Taiwan?

Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China, is strategically located at the heart of the
Asia-Pacific region. Over the last three decades, it has transformed itself from an authoritarian
one-party state, with an agrarian economy based on rice and sugar, into a thriving capitalist
economy with a democratically elected government. Taiwan is now the 16th-largest trading
nation in the world, according to the World Trade Organisation, with an economy founded on
high-tech and creative industries.

Over the last three decades, Taiwan has
averaged annual GDP growth of around 8
per cent. Taiwans economy grew by 5.2 per
cent in 2011, as the rest of the world slowly
emerges from the economic downturn. The
countrys economic success was, initially,
based on the manufacture of low-technology
goods. However, these labour-intensive
industries have, increasingly, relocated to
areas with a lower cost base, primarily China,
and Taiwan has successfully moved into
higher value-added manufacturing and
exports, mainly in electronics and computers.
Taiwan leads the world in the manufacture
of computer-related products and
semiconductors. Before the global recession,
high-tech products made up around 51.6
per cent of the countrys exports, compared
to 29 per cent in South Korea and 20 per
cent in Japan. Accounting for 17 per cent
of the global market, Taiwans photonics
industry is estimated to be worth US$90
billion in 2011. It ranks as the leader in the
world for production volumes and second
in terms of production value.
Taiwan has also become a global centre
for R&D and a growing number of
multinational companies (such as Intel,
Microsoft, Sony and HP) are choosing it as
the focal point for R&D in the Asia-Pacific
region. The World Economic Forums World
Competitiveness Report ranks Taiwan eighth
in the world for R&D.
It has developed one of the most advanced
telecommunications networks in Asia and
wireless penetration has almost reached
saturation levels, thanks to a comprehensive
infrastructure of Wi-Fi, WiFly, WiMAX and
3.5G. The country aims to become the first
in the world that is entirely wireless, with
broadband access ports located throughout
the island. Almost half of the top 100 IT
companies in Asia have a presence in Taiwan.
According to the International Monetary
Fund, Taiwans economy is now the 26th-
largest in the world. In 2010, it was ranked
13th in global competitiveness rankings
(World Economic Forum).

4 5
INTRODUCTION
WHY Taiwan? (CONTINUED)

The Country at a Glance between the two markets. This is expected The Taiwanese government is actively
to boost bilateral trade significantly. promoting the development of six
Full name: Republic of China (Taiwan)
emerging industries: biotechnology; green
Capital: Taipei Taiwans pro-investment policies and energy; culture and creativity; medicine
Other main cities: Taichung, Kaohsiung incentives are another major pull for and healthcare; tourism and high-end
Area: 36,188 sq. km/13,972 sq. miles (roughly the size of Wales) investors. Free competition is encouraged agriculture. It is also focusing on four
Population: 23.03 million (2010) and there are price controls only on basic intelligent industries: smart electric
necessities. Qualified foreign companies vehicles; smart green buildings; cloud
Major languages: Mandarin Chinese (official language), Min Nan Chinese (Taiwanese)
can obtain listings on the Taiwan stock computing and patent commercialisation.
and Hakka. English and Japanese are also widely spoken
market by listing their shares or issuing There are incentives available to attract
Ethnicities: Han Chinese and indigenous minority of Taiwanese aborigines Taiwan depositary receipts. The Taiwanese foreign and domestic investors in these
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 79 years (women) government encourages mergers and priority sectors.
Major religions: Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity acquisitions that serve the public interest
Monetary unit: New Taiwan dollar (NT$) and protection is provided to foreign You can find more information on the
patents, trademarks and copyrights. Taiwanese governments Invest in Taiwan
Nominal GDP: US$427 billion
website at http://investtaiwan.nat.gov.tw/
GDP per capita: US$19,155 Since Taiwan joined the World Trade library/main_eng_general.jsp
World Bank ease 25 Organisation in 2002, it has opened up its
of doing business domestic market to international investment Specific details of key investment
ranking: and there are now very few industries that opportunities in Taiwan are listed on
are closed to foreign investors (talk to page 10, under Opportunities in Taiwan
A leading choice for investors UKTI Taiwan for more details). Around 300 for UK companies.
Taiwans strategic location is one of its most With direct flights having been introduced UK companies already have a significant
significant advantages for international in 2008, travellers can now fly from Taiwan presence in Taiwan, including HSBC,
investors. It is ideally situated adjacent to major cities in China with a journey time Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays, Arup
to China and within easy reach of major of just one to two hours. and Mott Macdonald. UK retailers have been
commercial centres and ports in the ASEAN well-received, with fashion labels such as
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) The continuing liberalisation of links across Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith,
region. For example, the sailing time from the Taiwan Strait means that foreign Dunhill, Aquascutum, Ted Baker, Gieves
Taiwans largest port, Kaohsiung, to five of companies are increasingly choosing Taiwan & Hawkes, Oasis and French Connection
the largest Asia-Pacific ports (Hong Kong, both as a market in its own right and as a all gaining a foothold in the marketplace.
Manila, Shanghai, Tokyo and Singapore) stepping stone into China. Taiwan signed Smaller, specialist UK companies have also
is just over two days. This makes Taiwan the Economic Cooperation Framework invested in Taiwan, including suppliers to the
a favoured choice for headquarters in the Agreement (ECFA) with China in 2010 vast semiconductor industry and specialist
AsiaPacific region, as well as R&D facilities. to reduce tariffs and commercial barriers chemical company, Epichem.

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INTRODUCTION uk trade (goods only) with taiwan 2004-2011 ( thousands)

WHY Taiwan? (CONTINUED) 2004

UK exports 952,909
2005
944,892
2006
912,853
2007
938,618
2008
836,298
2009
750,472
2010 2011
1,048,840 1,299,000
UK imports 2,395,505 2,267,258 2,390,453 2,421,774 2,482,862 2,095,982 2,892,369 3,336,000

Strong bilateral trade Inward investment

TOP TEN UK importS OF GOODS TO taiwan IN 2011 ( MILLIONS)
Most of the world, including the UK, does There are currently around 180 Taiwanese
not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign entity companies with an active presence in Item 2011
separate from China, due to the political the UK. In 2010/11, 14 more Taiwanese Telecoms and sound recording and reproducing equipment 759
disagreement between the two. This has firms established a presence in the UK, Electrical machinery and appliances 324
led to diplomatic isolation for Taiwan, but, including specialists in ICT, biotechnology
despite this, the country enjoys a strong trade and healthcare. This helped to create Non-ferrous metals 273
and investment relationship with the UK. and safeguard over 200 jobs. Seventy Manufactures of metal 263
per cent of all Taiwanese investment in Office machines and adp machines 253
Exports Europe comes to the UK and nine of
Road vehicles 252
Taiwan is the UKs 44th-largest export Taiwans leading financial institutions are
market. Only two other countries in Europe represented here, including the Bank of Miscellaneous manufactured articles 240
export more to Taiwan. In 2011, UK Taiwan, the Central Bank, the Financial Power-generating machinery and equipment 111
exports to the country were worth Supervisory Commission, Chang Hwa
General industrial machinery and equipment 105
1.3 billion, up 24 per cent on 2010. Commercial Bank and SinoPac Securities.
The UKs principal exports to Taiwan are: Iron and steel 98
electrical machinery; beverages; industrial
machinery and equipment; metalliferous TOP TEN UK EXPORTS OF GOODS TO taiwan IN 2011 ( MILLIONS)
ores and metal scrap; medicine and Item 2011
pharmaceuticals.
Power-generating machinery and equipment 181
Imports Beverages 159
Imports from Taiwan to the UK were worth Medicinal and pharmaceutical products 140
3.33 billion in 2011, up 15 per cent on
Metalliferous ores and metal scrap 100
2010. Taiwan is the 32nd-largest supplier
of goods to the UK. The UKs principal Electrical machinery and appliances 86
Taiwanese imports are: office machinery Miscellaneous manufactured articles 68
and automatic data processing systems;
Specialised industrial machinery 57
telecoms and sound recording/reproducing
equipment; electrical machinery and Road vehicles 50
miscellaneous manufactured articles. General industrial machinery and equipment 49
Iron and steel 45
Source: BIS analysis of HM Revenue & Customs data

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INTRODUCTION
WHY Taiwan? (CONTINUED)
Opportunities in Taiwan for UK companies
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has identified
significant opportunities in the following
sectors in Taiwan:
Aerospace Taiwanese authorities plan
to increase aviation-related investment
to 666 million by 2013, with the total
value of annual aerospace production
expected to reach 2 billion by that
year. Taiwans Ministry of Transportation
and Communications (MOTC) is keen
to develop the aerospace industry
and upgrade the capability for local
manufacturers to carry out Original
Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) work
for international aerospace companies.
Agriculture The Taiwanese government
is investing 500 million in agriculture
and rural development by 2012 as
part of its High-End Agriculture and
Health Excellence Programme. This
will concentrate on food safety and
traceability, genetic technology, leisure
and floral exports. There are opportunities
for UK companies in: marketing and
consultancy; food safety and traceability;
genetics and animal welfare; and
orchidgrowing joint ventures.
Clothing and accessories Italian and
French designer labels dominate the
Taiwanese market, while the market for
young girls fashion is strongly influenced
10
by Japanese and Korean styles and
trends. Due to the increasing demand
for quality products, there are
opportunities for UK companies in
contemporary mens and womens wear,
premium accessories and sportswear.
Telecommunications Taiwan has one of
the most advanced telecommunications
sectors in Asia. The mobile and wireless
communications market is dominated by
three key players Chunghua Telecom;
Taiwan Mobile and FarEastone which
are keen to expand into telehealth,
cloud computing and smart grid. The
fourth player, VIBO Telecom, which
entered the market after the other three,
hopes to distinguish itself by developing
innovative business models in the fields
of voice and data transmission.
Construction The Taiwanese government
has announced a number of large-scale
public infrastructure projects, which will
generate opportunities for UK companies
over the next eight years. The main
projects are: rapid transit networks in
Taiwans main cities; railway mainline
upgrades; Kaohsiung Free Port and
EcoPark; the AsiaPacific Maritime
and Air Logistics Centre in Taichuang;
Taoyuan International Air City; urban
regeneration and rural revitalisation
projects across the country; and an
islandwide sewage system.
Creative industries The expansion of
the Cultural & Creative Industries (CCI)
in Taiwan is a priority area and is one
of the six key emerging sectors selected
by Taiwanese authorities for national
development. There are estimated to be
over 49,450 CCI businesses in Taiwan,
providing some 195,160 jobs. The
Taiwanese government is investing more
than 107.7 million under the Creative
Taiwan framework. This is creating
opportunities for UK companies in:
product design, incorporating packaging
design/industrial design and branding
counselling services; architectural design
and planning; creative education and
training; and the experience economy,
tied in with digital content development.
Education and skills development Due
to its relatively small geographical area
and short supply of natural resources,
Taiwans economic progress hinges
largely on its ability to develop human
resources. It is therefore strongly
committed to the improvement of
education and skills. Under the Intelligent
Taiwan project, launched in 2009, a total
budget of 6.64 billion will be allocated
to this by 2016, covering 13 major
individual project areas such as English-
language learning, Continual Personal
Development (CPD), IT education,
digital learning, vocational training and
teaching-quality improvement in higher
education. This is creating outstanding
opportunities for UK companies active in
these areas.
Electronics, semiconductors and display
Taiwan leads the world in the
production of PCs, notebook PCs, Soho
routers, cable modems, optical disk
drives, modems, switches, hubs and
WLAN, as well as being a key player in
mobile handset production. Taiwanese
ICT companies mainly use China as their
manufacturing base, keeping their
headquarters, R&D and sales departments
in Taiwan. Taiwan has a worldwide share
of over 90 per cent of the OEM/ODM
(Original Design Manufacturer) market.
It also dominates the semiconductor
chip supply chain. There are opportunities
for UK companies in cloud computing,
e-health and mobile health, green IT,
telematics, software applications on
mobile devices and WiMAX.
Environment As one of the most
densely populated islands in the world,
Taiwans usable land area is very limited.
The Taiwanese government spends
around 14 million a year on tackling
soil and groundwater contamination
and this is set to double over the next
few years, adding to investments by
the private sector. Taiwan is actively
seeking international partners with
expertise in this field. In addition,
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INTRODUCTION
WHY Taiwan? (CONTINUED)
the Taiwan Environmental Protection
Administration (EPA) focuses on five key
areas: promoting sustainability; reducing
carbon emissions; recycling; eliminating
pollution and promoting healthy,
sustainable lifestyles.
Financial services Taiwans financial
services industry, which accounts for
10 per cent of its GDP, has changed
greatly in the past couple of decades,
becoming international and liberalised.
Currently, there are 15 financial holding
companies and 37 domestic banks in
Taiwan (3,264 branches in total). Thirty
two foreign banks have been granted
licences to date, and have established
around 140 branches in Taiwan. Some
39 securities investment trust enterprises,
23 non-life insurance companies and
29 life insurance companies currently
do business in Taiwan. UK financial
services firms active there include: HSBC,
Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays,
Schroders, Aberdeen, PCL Life and
First-Aviva (a joint venture between
First Financial Holding and Aviva). High
rates of savings and ongoing financial
liberalisation make Taiwan an attractive
market for capital. There are opportunities
for UK companies in wealth management,
foreign currency securities exchange,
pension fund management, public private
partnership and financial services training.
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Food and drink Food and drink is the
fifth-largest industry in Taiwan and one
of its fastest-growing sectors. Some 40
per cent of goods consumed in Taiwan
are imported. The continued expansion of
upmarket supermarkets on the island has
prompted importers to look further afield
for value-added products, particularly to
European countries. Currently, over 80
per cent of the items offered by these
supermarkets are imported, creating
opportunities for UK companies in:
ready-to-eat food and drinks; alcoholic
beverages; confectionery; organic
products and health foods.
Healthcare Taiwan imported around
1.1 billion of medical devices in
2010. There are many opportunities
for UK companies supplying high-end
pharmaceutical products and medical
equipment. There are also opportunities
in healthcare informatics/telecare services
and long-term care provision for the
elderly and disabled, as Taiwan is an
ageing society.
Low carbon economy Over the next
five years, the Taiwanese government
will invest more than 50 billion in
promoting the green economy. Fifty
pilot low carbon communities will be
selected by the end of 2011 and six low
carbon cities by 2014, as part of a plan
to reduce carbon emissions and gradually
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INTRODUCTION
WHY Taiwan? (CONTINUED)

turn Taiwan into a low carbon nation.
By 2020, the island will be divided
into four low carbon living spheres in
northern, central, southern and eastern
Taiwan. There are opportunities for UK
companies involved in: green energy,
energy conservation installations and
industry support (solar PV, LED PV
lighting, wind power, biomass, hydrogen
and fuel cell), energy communication and
information and electric vehicles.
Marine Taiwans yacht industry is
export-oriented and imported hardware
components and accessories are widely
used in finished yachts. Potential
opportunities for UK companies include:
hardware components and accessories/
auxiliaries; naval architecture/exterior and
interior design; deck hardware; energy
saving and green power; and innovative
superyacht equipment and services.
Transport The Taiwanese government
has announced 12 prioritised public
construction projects, with a total
budget of 66.5 billion over the next
eight years. The first priority is to build
a fast and efficient island-wide
transportation network. There are
opportunities for UK companies in:
consulting engineering, signalling,
station design and rollingstock parts.
For more details on these and other
commercial opportunities, talk to UKTI
Taiwan.
Market strengths
These are the essential facts that companies doing business in Taiwan need to know:
Taiwan is the worlds biggest manufacturer of computer-related products and
semiconductors.
The World Economic Forum ranks Taiwan eighth in the world for R&D and
13th (of 133 economies) for global competitiveness.
Taiwans economy grew by 8 per cent over three decades.
Taiwan is strategically located at the heart of the Asia Pacific, around 90 miles
off the coast of mainland China and within easy reach of all major ASEAN
commercial centres.
Since joining the World Trade Organisation in 2002, Taiwan has opened up its
domestic market to international investment.
Taiwan has a strong trade and investment relationship with the UK only two other
European countries export more to Taiwan than the UK. Imports to the UK from
Taiwan were worth some 2.9 billion in 2010.

Power Taiwan recognises the

importance of developing more
greenenergy projects and welcomes the
input of UK renewable energy suppliers.
There are opportunities for companies
that specialise in offshore wind power,
biomass and marine energy. There are also
significant opportunities for consultants
specialising in energy privatisation.

14 15
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THIS BUSINESS GUIDE
The main objective of this Business Guide
is to provide you with basic knowledge
about Taiwan an overview of its economy,
business culture and potential opportunities
and an introduction to other relevant issues.
Novice exporters, in particular, will find it
a useful starting point. Further assistance
is available from the UKTI team in Taiwan.
Full contact details are available at the end
of this Guide.
The Taiwan Business Guide is intended
to provide general business advice and
should not be used as a substitute for
market research, due diligence, or legal
and professional services.
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About UK Trade & Investment
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the
government department that can help
you achieve your international business
potential. We combine the national
resources of the Department for Business,
Innovation & Skills (BIS) and the Foreign
& Commonwealth Offices (FCO) global
network of Trade Development Staff, to
help you successfully win business overseas.
We treat every business as an individual
thats why we provide a tailored service,
with specialist support covering a wide
range of industries.
Our capacity-building services can make a
real difference to your business at a very
reasonable price. To use our services, your
firm may need to meet certain eligibility
criteria. Your International Trade Adviser
(or equivalent person in Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland) will be able to
explain in more depth what these criteria
are and advise you on costs.
For more information, visit www.ukti.gov.uk
RESEARCHING THE MARKET
WHERE TO BEGIN
Doing business with Taiwan
may seem rather daunting for
those new to the market, but
taking a strategic approach
is the key.
Companies should conduct
reliable research before
venturing into business in any
new territory and Taiwan is
no exception. Good research
saves money and improves
efficiency and performance
right from the start.
Desk research
General introductory business information
about Taiwan is readily available and
companies can obtain a reasonable amount
of preliminary insight through desk research.
Economic research and sector analysis
can be obtained from a large number of
leading consultancies, research agencies and
publicsector trade promotion organisations.
Furthermore, the increasing use of
e-commerce and B2B websites in Taiwan
has made it possible to identify, and gain
access to, potential partners across the
globe. A good place to start is the UKTI
website, www.ukti.gov.uk, which provides
detailed country and sector information.
Registration is free and offers additional
benefits, such as access to business
opportunity alerts and information updates.
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RESEARCHING THE MARKET
WHERE TO BEGIN (Continued)
Consultation and bespoke research
You should not rely solely on desk research.
Websites and online materials can be
outof-date and the quality and reliability
of content varies widely. Sometimes
you may simply be unable to find the
information youre looking for. This is
why it is essential to verify initial research
findings and conduct further investigations.
Often this requires you to map out a
bespoke research brief with the help of
specialists, exploring what additional
information you might need to make an
effective entry into the market and how
you can make the contacts vital to success.
UKTI offers a range of support services to
UK businesses interested in researching the
Taiwanese market.
Speaking to an expert
UKTI provides support for UK companies
through a network of International Trade
Teams based in the English regions. UKTI
services are also available to companies in
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To arrange a consultation with your
local International Trade Adviser, call
+44 (0)20 7215 8000 or use the database
at www.ukti.gov.uk
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Overseas Market Introduction Service
The Overseas Market Introduction Service
(OMIS) is a UKTI service available to
companies interested in finding out more
about an overseas market. In Taiwan, it can
assist you by undertaking tailored research
using UKTIs extensive network of dedicated
researchers based across the country.
OMIS can provide:
Market research and analysis
- Sector reports
- Market initiatives
- Regulatory environment
- Market opportunities
Identification of local contacts
- Agents
- Distributors
- Suppliers
- Potential partners
In-market activities
- Meeting arrangements
-E vent organisation, such as workshops,
seminars, receptions, promotional
activities and product launches
- Media relations and publicity
- Official premises and facilities
For more information about how OMIS
could help you in Taiwan, please contact
your International Trade Adviser.
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Events and seminars
UKTI organises events, seminars and
workshops in the UK and Taiwan, covering
a wide range of business interests and
issues. Not only do these inform companies
about business opportunities and offer the
latest market information, they also provide
a valuable platform for networking and
sharing experiences with like-minded peers,
not to mention regular access to visiting
Taiwanese delegations.
Sign up to a forthcoming event by visiting
www.ukti.gov.uk
Market visits and trade missions
Visiting Taiwan is an invaluable part of the
process of market entry. You will experience
the marketplace first-hand, and make the
contacts necessary to do business. This is
essential, but it will be much more effective
with careful planning.
UKTI organises regular trade missions
to Taiwan where you can benefit from
group activities, in addition to your own
programme.
OMIS can be used to support visits,
providing bespoke meeting arrangements
with appropriate potential partners,
agents and distributors, or with relevant
government officials.
Questions to ask yourself before
you begin:
W hat are our business unique selling
points? Is there likely to be a market
for our product or service in Taiwan?
A re there any legal barriers to our
business model?
W hereabouts in Taiwan should we
start?
Do we have sufficient resources
(management time, project finance
and expenses) to fund our Taiwan
project?
W ho will be leading the project within
our company?
Do we need to work with a partner
in Taiwan to succeed? If so, can we
communicate effectively with them?
Have we evaluated business
risks (such as protecting our IP)
and conducted research and due
diligence?
Do we know how to secure payments
and get the right quality products?
It is unlikely that you will have the
answers to all these questions at the
outset and these knowledge gaps
should form the basis of further research
and investigation.
19
RESEARCHING THE MARKET
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
UKTI provides a wide range
of trade development
services designed to help
UK companies succeed
in international markets.
Some of these services are
provided at zero or heavily
subsidised cost. All are
delivered by experts with
extensive experience of
overseas trade and detailed
knowledge of the global
marketplace. If you are
considering doing business
in Taiwan, talk to us about
how we can help you achieve
your goals.
20
Overseas Market Introduction Service
(OMIS) is a chargeable UKTI-led, tailored
service to access market and industry
information, identify potential contacts or
assist in planning an event.
Passport to Export provides new and
inexperienced exporters with the training,
planning advice and ongoing support they
need to succeed overseas.
Gateway to Global Growth is a free service
to experienced exporters. It offers a strategic
review, planning advice and support to help
companies build on their previous success
and develop new overseas markets.
Events and seminars are held across the UK
and Taiwan. They include specific sector-
based activities.
Trade missions are organised to help
UK companies visit the market theyre
interested in and talk face-to-face with
prospective business partners. UKTI also
organises missions in the UK to allow
overseas delegates to meet with potential
UK partners or investors.
Business opportunities can be emailed
directly into your in-box, highlighting
hot leads in your chosen overseas market.
Companies can sign up for this free service
by visiting www.ukti.gov.uk
Export Communications Review (ECR) To contact UKTI in Taiwan directly:
assesses the way companies communicate UKTI Taiwan
with overseas customers and makes practical British Trade & Cultural Office
recommendations for improvement. The 26F, 9-11 Song Gao Road
service is managed for UKTI by the British Taipei, 11073
Chambers of Commerce. Taiwan.
Tel: +886 (2) 8758 2088
Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS) Fax: +886 (2) 8758 2050
offers support, advice and grant funding Email: info.taipei@fco.gov.uk
to eligible companies wishing to research http://ukintaiwan.fco.gov.uk
a potential export market. The service is
managed for UKTI by the British Chambers
of Commerce.
FCO Country Updates provide authoritative
analyses of emerging markets and identify
key issues relevant to UK businesses. The
updates are compiled by British embassies
across the world, which have access to
high-level government and business
contacts. www.fco.gov.uk
For more information on any of these
services, please contact your local
International Trade Team.
21
Market Entry
Choosing the right LOCATION
Geography
Taiwan is located 100 miles across the
Taiwan Strait from mainland China,
between Japan and the Philippines. It is an
island nation, comprising the main island
of Taiwan, along with Penghu, Kinmen and
Matsu. Taiwan is 250 miles long and 88
miles across roughly the size of Wales.
A rugged mountain range, the second
highest in Asia after the Himalayas, covers
more than half of the main island. The
tallest mountain is Yushan, or Jade
Mountain, which rises to 12,966 feet
(3,952 metres) above sea level and stands
at the heart of Yushan National Park.
Approximately 60 per cent of Taiwan is
covered by forest. Having such a limited
usable land area makes it the second most
densely populated country in the world.
Climate
The climate of Taiwan is sub-tropical,
except for the extreme south which is
tropical. Occasionally, typhoons hit the
island during May to September. Apart
from this, Taiwans weather is temperate,
with average temperatures of 22C
(summer temperatures are around 35C
in July; winter temperatures are around
12C in January).
22
Centres of business
Taiwan has five special municipalities
(Taipei, Xinbei, Taichung, Tainan and
Kaohsiung), which are home to more than
13.7 million residents. The most important
commercial centres are Taipei, to the north,
and Kaohsiung to the south.
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and the
countrys political, economic and cultural
heart. The Taipei metropolitan area (which
includes Taipei, Xinbei and Keelung) has
a population of over 6.7 million people.
The city is served by two airports, Taipei
Songshan and Taiwan Taoyuan, and has
high-speed rail and road links to the rest
of the island. Taipei also has a modern and
efficient public transport system, with five Taichung is situated in west-central Hsinchu Science and Industrial Park,
metro lines in operation. Many of Taiwans Taiwan. The citys Industrial Zone has located in Hsinchu City in the north,
leading companies have their headquarters the World Trade Centre building as its is one of the worlds leading centres of
there, including ASUS, Chunghwa Telecom, focal point, which plays host to national semiconductor manufacturing. More
Mandarin Airlines and Tatung. For more and international exhibitions. Taichung is than 400 high-tech companies have a
information visit http://english.taipei.gov.tw home to Giant Bicycles and Nikes Asian presence there, including the worlds
design centre and, with a population of top two semiconductor manufacturers,
Kaohsiung is the second-largest city 2.6 million, is the third-largest city in the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
in Taiwan, with a population of 2.9 country. For more information visit Company and United Microelectronics
million people. It is one of five special http://english.taichung.gov.tw/internet/english Corporation. Taiwan has the worlds
municipalities in Taiwan and a centre for highest concentration of 12-inch
manufacturing, refining, shipbuilding, waferproducing fabs, most of which
light and heavy industries. Kaohsiung are located at the Park. Close by are
International Airport is the second-largest National Chiao Tung University and
airport in Taiwan, while its port is the National Tsing Hua University.
countrys biggest. The city was host of
the 2009 World Games and is home to
the Republic of China navy.
23
Market Entry
Establishing a presence
Direct sales into Taiwan can be difficult.
For most UK companies, it is more effective
to approach the market through local
business partners (agents and distributors),
who have the ability to distribute and
provide locally based technical support.
Licensing and franchising are also
increasingly popular options.
It is possible to set up a company office,
branch office, representative office,
jobsite office or joint venture in Taiwan.
Mergers and acquisitions are also an
option, although you need to be aware of
fair trade and anti-trust issues. Refer to
page 26 for full descriptions of each of
these options. If you are planning to do
business in Taiwan, consult a lawyer about
the possible options and how you plan
to conduct the operation. UKTI can help
you to identify local and international law
and consultancy firms who can help. We
can also provide validated lists of agents/
potential partners, key market players and
potential customers; approach contacts on
your behalf to establish if they are interested
in working with you; as well as arranging
appointments and organising events.
Agents and distributors
An agent is a companys direct
representative in a market and is paid
commission, whereas a distributor buys
products from the manufacturer and sells
them on to customers. The difference
24
between the cost of purchasing products
and selling them on (the profit) forms the
distributors income.
Entering a market by working with an agent
or distributor can have several advantages.
It reduces time and costs, and companies
gain the local knowledge and networks of
the agent/distributor in question. However,
there are also some drawbacks. Employing
a third party results in an additional cost
to your products and you may also lose
some control and visibility over sales and
marketing. It can also have implications
for intellectual property rights protection,
increasing the risk of your product being
copied or counterfeited.
In Taiwan, the Statute for Encouraging
Foreign Profit-Seeking Enterprises to
Establish Distribution Centres was passed
in 2001. This sets out the regulations for
establishing international distribution
agreements and logistics centres and
authorises tax incentives for foreign
investors. The Taiwanese Civil Code and the
Fair Trade Law govern the management of
distributorships, while agency agreements
are governed by the Civil Code alone. You
need to ensure that you organise tax affairs
correctly, as agents are considered business
agents for income-tax purposes if they sign
contracts, accept purchase orders and store
and dispatch goods on behalf of a foreign
company. A business agent is subject to
Taiwanese taxes and must file tax returns
on behalf of the foreign company.
Given these considerations, you need to
select agents and distributors carefully.
Your local UKTI office can advise you on
how to commission a tailored report for
your specific needs and can also provide a
list of the best potential partners. A visit
to Taiwan will enable you to meet some
of them and appoint a local contact.
Suggested questions to ask agents/distributors
are listed below. You should also conduct
due diligence to verify this information.
Background
Company size, history and ownership
(private or state-owned)
Quality and quantity of the sales force
Customer feedback and trade/bank
references
Distribution channels
Regional coverage
Types of outlets covered and frequency
of visits
Transportation and warehousing facilities
Are they right for you?
Does the agent/distributor have a
genuine interest in representing your
product?
Can they benefit from actively promoting
your interests (is it a win-win)?
Do they also represent any competing
companies/products?
Can you communicate effectively with
your counterpart?
Once a working relationship has been
established, the agent/distributor needs to
be managed actively by you:
visiting as regularly as is practicable at
a senior management level. This shows
interest in, and commitment to, the
agent and the market. It will also provide
you with an opportunity to learn about
conditions in the market and see how
your products are doing
working closely with the agent to show
them how they can profit from your
products
helping to prepare marketing and sales
plans for the agent
providing regular training for sales staff
and after-sales training for technical staff
in the UK
linking performance to incentives and
agreeing milestone targets.
There is additional guidance on working
with Taiwanese partners in later sections of
this Guide.
25
Market Entry
Establishing A Presence (CONTINUED)
Licensing and franchising
Licensing and franchising are alternative
approaches to selling products and services,
but the exact business model will vary,
depending on the sector and company.
A business may license the use of its
copyright, trademark, patent, technological
knowledge and other intellectual property
rights to manufacture and sell products or
render services. Such licences need not be
government-approved, although patent and
trademark licences must be reported to the
Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. UKTI in
Taiwan can provide detailed guidance on
this, and franchising options.
Establishing a permanent presence
Having a permanent in-market presence
can have several benefits, including:
demonstrating commitment
cutting out the middle man, providing It is usually more difficult to alter a
direct access to the end customer/
supplier
giving direct control over corporate
strategy and activities
enabling trading in the local currency
and easing the conduct of business
transactions
fulfilling a legal requirement to have a
permanent presence (relevant in certain
business activities and sectors).
In the past, foreign investors who wanted
to do business in Taiwan were required to
26
have a Taiwanese partner. However, this
has now changed, thanks to the Taiwanese
governments continued efforts to ease
regulations and encourage more foreign
investors in most industry sectors, such as
consumer goods, banking and retailing.
For sectors like infrastructure, defence and
safetyrelated industries, UK companies
would still need a local partner. Please
contact UKTI Taiwan for advice.
Deciding what constitutes an appropriate
legal entity for your business depends on
your intended scope. There are a number
of legal structures that allow foreign
investors to do business in Taiwan, as
outlined on page 28. Each has its own
advantages, restrictions and drawbacks,
so it is essential to choose the option best
suited to your aims.
business structure once a legal entity has
been incorporated or established, so it is
essential to seek professional advice during
the early stages of planning. UKTI can
offer dedicated one-to-one consulting
and incorporation services to assist UK
companies establishing various kinds of
permanent presence in Taiwan. Please
contact us for more details.
27
Market Entry
Establishing A Presence (CONTINUED)
Legal structures
Foreign investors in Taiwan can choose
whether to set up a company office, a
representative office, a branch office
or a job-site office, according to their
planned activities. A brief description
of each option is provided below. The
PricewaterhouseCoopers guide Doing
Business in Taiwan (www.pwc.com/tw/en/
publications/doing-business-in-taiwan.
jhtml) contains detailed information
about setting up a business in Taiwan.
Further information is also available from
UKTI in Taiwan.
Representative offices
Representative offices are often the first
step taken by foreign companies when
establishing a permanent presence in Taiwan.
They provide a vehicle through which the
foreign investor can undertake activities
such as market research, customer liaison
and support. Representative offices can
also organise business visits from company
headquarters, which can make the process
of obtaining business visas for visitors
much easier. Public-relations work and local
administration are also permitted. However,
a representative office cannot conduct sales
activities. This means they cannot sign
contracts, receive income or issue invoices
and tax receipts. Applications to establish
a representative office should be made to
the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs
(MOEA, www.moea.gov.tw).
28
Branch offices
Foreign investors wishing to open a branch
office must apply for a Certificate of
Recognition and then obtain a Certificate
of PSE (Profit-Seeking Enterprise) from
the relevant Taiwanese government
agencies. Special permits are required
for certain types of businesses. For more
details, contact the MOEA. Branch offices
can be used for companies that do not
plan to have their head office in Taiwan.
There is no minimum working capital
requirement if the branchs activities relate
to international trade, but the head office
must remit sufficient funds to enable the
branch to operate. It must also appoint
a branch manager and a litigious and
nonlitigious representative, who can either
be Taiwanese citizens or foreign nationals.
Company offices
Foreign investors need to obtain approval
from the MOEAs Investment Commission
to set up a company in Taiwan. Once
approval has been obtained, it is possible
for foreign investors, with the exception
of those working in certain restricted
industries, to establish an unlimited
company, an unlimited company with
limited-liability shareholders, a limited
company, or a company limited by shares.
Job-site offices
Job-site offices are ideal for foreign
investors who intend to contract long-
term construction work in Taiwan (for
example, foreign construction companies
that undertake government projects
there). A taxable, though not a legal,
entity, job-site offices need only apply
for business registration, as opposed to
corporate registration. They are required
to pay business tax and income tax and
are permitted to make purchases and issue
government uniform invoices.
Joint ventures
The term joint venture is not statutorily
defined in Taiwanese law. In its broadest
sense, a joint venture (JV) is a co-operation
between two or more parties in a common
undertaking. Usually this refers to an
incorporated JV company, but in Taiwan it
is acceptable for a JV structure to be one in
which there are two or more distinct legal
entities that maintain separate identities.
In certain government contracts, for
example, JV partners issue invoices and are
paid separately, based on the percentage
of participation. Each party files a tax
return and pays its taxes separately.
Mergers and acquisitions
The Financial Institution Mergers Act and
the Financial Holding Company Act govern
consolidation among financial institutions
in Taiwan. Other industries are governed
by the Business Mergers and Acquisitions
Act. Under certain circumstances, mergers
may need to be submitted to Taiwans
Fair Trade Commission. There may be tax
incentives available if the proposed merger/
acquisition meets certain criteria.
29
Market Entry
Establishing A Presence (CONTINUED)
Foreign firms wishing to invest in or merge
with companies in Taiwan should contact
the MOEAs Investment Commission.
Regulatory agencies
For UK companies considering establishing
a presence in Taiwan, the following
regulatory agencies provide useful sources
of information:
Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA):
issues business laws and regulations.
Agencies include the Department of
Commerce, the Investment Commission
and the Industrial Development Bureau
www.moea.gov.tw
Bureau of Foreign Trade: an agency
of the MOEA, responsible for executing
trade policies and promoting trade
www.trade.gov.tw
Taiwan Intellectual Property Office:
for patent, trademark and copyright issues
www.tipo.gov.tw
Financial Supervisory Commission:
supervises banking, securities and
insurance industries
www.fsc.gov.tw
30
Ministry of Finance: administration
of taxation and customs
www.mof.gov.tw
Fair Trade Commission: competition
policy and fair trade
www.ftc.gov.tw
Food and Drug Administration:
established on 1 January 2010 for the
licensing and inspection of food and
pharmaceutical products
www.fda.gov.tw
Environmental Protection Administration:
sets pollution control regulations and
protects the natural environment
www.epa.gov.tw
Council for Labour Affairs: administers
labour policies and regulations
www.cla.gov.tw
Invest in Taiwan Office: a one-stop shop
for companies looking to invest or register
in Taiwan
http://investtaiwan.nat.gov.tw/library/
main_eng_general.jsp
31
Getting Started
FINDING A CUSTOMER OR PARTNER
Once you have identified the
best market-entry option for
your company in Taiwan, the
next step is to find potential
customers or partners.
32
Tried and trusted methods include:
O verseas Market Introduction Service
(OMIS)
OMIS can tailor-make a list of potential
customers, agents, distributors or partners
and arrange a programme of meetings with
them when you visit Taiwan. OMIS can also
be used to arrange a seminar or product-
introduction event in Taiwan, which can be
an effective way of getting your message
across to a number of potential customers.
Trade shows and exhibitions
Trade shows and exhibitions take place in
Taiwan throughout the year and can be an
excellent way to meet potential customers
face-to-face. Arranging appointments in
advance with pre-identified contacts is
essential if you want to make effective
use of your time.
UKTI-supported trade missions
UKTI supports a large number of trade
missions to Taiwan, organised by trade
associations and local chambers of
commerce. They provide an excellent
opportunity for businesses to visit the
country to find out how business is done
and generate valuable sales leads.
Getting Started
Due Diligence
Many of the problems that foreign companies
encounter when doing business in Taiwan
could have been avoided by carrying out some
due diligence at the outset.
There are different levels of due diligence,
appropriate for different situations. If your
sole interest is in exporting, the best proof
of a Taiwanese companys ability to pay is a
letter of credit from the bank. If a company
can produce this, you do not need to check
its financial standing as the bank will already
have done so.
A very simple piece of due diligence is to
obtain a copy of a companys business
licence. This will tell you the following:
the legal representative of the company
the name and address of the company
the amount of registered capital, which is
also its limited liability
the type of company
the business scope
the date the company was established and
the period covered by the licence.
You should check that the information
contained in the business licence matches
what you already know and, if it doesnt,
then find out why. If you want to verify
the information externally, you should go
through the Commercial Department at
the MOEA or a local lawyer. You will have
more security if you know who the legally
responsible person is, so find out who you
are dealing with.
The shareholders of the company are responsible
for the amount of liability as stated as registered
capital on the business licence. You can check
whether or not the registered capital has been
paid up by using a firm of accountants to get
a Capital Verification Report.
If you want to establish a business
relationship that goes beyond exporting,
you will need to carry out further research.
It is not enough simply to obtain a copy of
a companys accounts, as they may not be
accurate. Accounts in Taiwan are unlikely
to be audited to the standards routinely
expected in the UK, and companies may
have different sets of accounts for different
audiences, so it is advisable to use such data
in conjunction with information obtained
from elsewhere.
Good-quality consultancy and assistance
are available from firms resident in Taiwan
and the UK. These companies can carry out
operational, financial, legal and technical
due-diligence checks, typically by looking
at the actual operation of the business,
and building up a more accurate picture
by carefully interviewing people who work
in and with the firm. UKTI has lists of
consultancies based in the UK and Taiwan
that can provide due-diligence checks on
Taiwanese companies.
33
Getting Started
Employing staff
Taiwan has a motivated and highly
educated workforce. Workers here will
have undergone nine years of compulsory
education, with extensive opportunities for
higher education in the countrys colleges
and universities. Taiwan is world-renowned
for its research in physics, engineering,
agriculture, medicine, biotechnology,
literature and art history. Taiwanese
workers are characterised by their diligence
and interest in learning and development
at every stage of their career path.
Taiwan has faced labour shortages in
recent years, due to the fast pace of
economic growth. Consequently, it is
keen to attract high-quality skills from
overseas and has lifted any restrictions on
employing foreign workers. By July 2009,
foreign workers accounted for 3.2 per cent
of Taiwans total workforce.
The Labour Standards Act stipulates
minimum standards for working conditions
in Taiwan, including minimum wages,
working hours, holidays and severance
pay. The country has established a labour
management committee whose aim is
to promote good employer-employee
collaboration and establish labour welfare
schemes. More information is available
at http://investtaiwan.nat.gov.tw/matter/
show_eng.jsp?ID=11&MID=3
34
You will find details of labour-related
health insurance, pensions and labour
regulations in the PricewaterhouseCoopers
guide Doing Business in Taiwan
(www.pwc.com/tw/en/publications/doing-
business-in-taiwan.jhtml)
Recruitment channels
There are several channels for recruiting
staff in Taiwan, particularly webbased
channels given the high internet
penetration in the country:
Advertise jobs to UK graduates on the
UKs official graduate careers website,
www.prospects.ac.uk/taiwan_job_market.
htm
Online job services, such as
http://hirecruit.nat.gov.tw/english
www.jobera.com and
www.taiwanesecareers.com
Classified job adverts in English are
available in English-language daily
newspapers, such as The China Post,
Taiwan News and Taipei Times
Other newspapers (some of which have
English-language pages) include: United
Daily News, China Times and Liberty
Times
Trade media for key industry sectors,
such as DIGITIMES, Business Today
Weekly, International Trade Biweekly
and Business Next. For industry-specific
periodicals, please contact the relevant
UKTI Commercial Officer in Taiwan
Recruitment companies such as Adecco
have offices in Taiwan. (www.adecco.
com.tw/eng). Local people tend to use
websites to find jobs, such as 104 Job
Bank (www.104.com.tw).
Contact the British Trade and Cultural
Office, the British Chamber of Commerce
or educational institutes.
Recruitment process
When you are recruiting in Taiwan, make
sure that you carry out all the normal steps
that you would if hiring in the UK.
Ensure that candidates technical and
linguistic capabilities match their claims
and that you hire staff at the right level
for the role.
Carry out due diligence. This includes
conducting personal background checks
and checking all references before
offering the position.
Offer appropriate remuneration.
Taiwanese labour regulations stipulate
that wages must not be less than the
statutory minimum and must be paid at
least twice a month, or in advance on a
monthly basis. The Council for Labour
Affairs is responsible for administering
policies and issuing work permits for
foreign professionals, www.cla.gov.tw.
Talk to UKTI Taiwan for advice on
appropriate salary levels for particular
types of employment.
Overseas training
Offering employees the opportunity to
train overseas is very attractive at all levels.
Make sure that in return for providing such
training, employees make a commitment
to stay with your company for a specified
period of time.
A word of caution: A lot of smaller
companies setting up an office in Taiwan
may well just employ one person to deal
with all aspects of running the business.
Although this may be convenient and
cost-effective, it might not be the best way
to run your operation. If your employee is
not familiar with the rules and regulations
pertaining to running an international
office or business in Taiwan, then you
may soon have to deal with issues of
noncompliance, which could prove very
costly. Moreover, having one person in
control of all financial and legal aspects
of the business is obviously risky.
35

Working hours
Working hours in Taiwan are:
9.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday
Public holidays
Public holidays in Taiwan reflect
both Chinese and Western
influences. Traditional festivals
(holidays) include:
Chinese New Year Lunar New
Years Eve and first three days of
the first lunar month
Dragon Boat Festival fifth day
of the fifth lunar month
Mid-Autumn Festival 15th day
of the eighth lunar month
Other official holidays include:
1 January Founding Day
2 8 February Peace Memorial
Day
4 April Childrens Day
5 April Tomb Sweeping Day
10 October National Day
36
Getting Started
language
Mandarin Chinese is the official business
language of Taiwan. However, Chinese
Traditional script is used rather than
Chinese Simplified script the latter only
being used in mainland China. English is
widely spoken.
While high-level business meetings may be
conducted mainly in English, your hosts
will appreciate it if you use their language
whenever possible. When speaking in
English, remember to speak slowly and to
repeat key points. In order to save face,
your Taiwanese hosts will not necessarily
say that they dont understand something.
Interpreters may be required for business
meetings, particularly outside Taipei
and other major cities. All important
negotiations should be carried out with an
interpreter present so as to avoid doubt.
It is also advisable to have all written
documents translated into Mandarin
Chinese. UKTI can help you find a
translator or interpreter.
37
Getting Started
marketing

To reflect the fast-paced nature of the
Taiwanese marketplace, and its highly
sophisticated media, your marketing
strategy will need to be reassessed,
polished and refined on a continual basis.
that would suit the launch of their
product/s. UKTI in Taiwan can advise on
the most appropriate venues to announce
the launch or presence of UK goods and
services in the country.
more than 170 radio stations, including
the Broadcasting Corporation of China,
CBS Radio Taiwan International and the
English-language station International
Community Radio Taipei (ICRT).

Sales literature The media Newspapers

Trade shows and exhibitions are a good
way of meeting potential new customers,
but you still need to persuade them to
buy your product. Sales literature is more
effective if its in Mandarin Chinese as well
as English and you need to decide what
kind of advertising is appropriate.
Product and service adaptations
You may need to adapt your product or
service to meet the needs of the Taiwanese
market. Marketing research can help you to
identify any adaptations you need to make.
Branding
There are no particular considerations
concerning branding in Taiwan. You will
need to check with the MOEA to see if
the brand name or logo can be registered
in Taiwan. Then, consult with experts in
branding or advertising agencies who will
be able to advise on the public perception
of certain words or images.
Sales promotion
Companies that appoint local partners can
usually be guided by them with regards to
the type of advertising and sales promotion
Taiwans media is one of the freest in Asia. Major daily newspapers include: United
Laws which prohibit the promotion of Daily News, China Times, Liberty Times,
independence from China or communism China Post, Taipei Times and Taiwan News.
are not generally enforced. Consequently,
there are hundreds of privately owned News agency
newspapers expressing different views, as Focus Taiwan is the English-language service
well as multi-channel cable and terrestrial of the state-run Central News Agency.
TV and more than 170 radio stations.
According to Internet World Stats, there Day-to-day communications
were more than 15 million internet users As with the UK, business people in Taiwan
in Taiwan in June 2009 and there are communicate mainly via the telephone,
plans to integrate telecoms, the internet mobile phone and emails. If you havent
and broadcasting by 2014. You may wish met with your contacts face-to-face, it is
to work with local marketing specialists advisable to write a letter or send an email
who will understand the most appropriate to introduce yourself.
channels for reaching your target market.
UKTI in Taiwan can provide contact details.
TV and radio
The main commercial TV channels in
Taiwan are China Television Company
(CTV), Chinese Television System (CTS),
Taiwan Television Enterprise (TTV) and
Formosa Television (FTV). Cable TV news
channels such as TVBS, CTiTV and ETTV
are also influential. In addition, there
is the Public Television Service (PTS), a
non-profit public broadcaster. There are

38 39
Getting Started
INTERPRETERS
While English is widely spoken in
international businesses in Taiwan, you
will generally need to employ interpreters
during formal meetings and negotiations
to prevent any misunderstandings.
There are two forms of interpreting.
Consecutive interpreting means you speak
and then your interpreter speaks: this is the
usual form for meetings, discussions and
negotiations. Simultaneous interpreting
involves the immediate translation of your
words as you speak them. This requires
special equipment and can be expensive. It
is generally used only for large seminars and
conferences. Interpreting is a skill requiring
professional training. Just because someone
is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese,
it does not necessarily mean that they will
make a good interpreter.
If you are giving a speech or presentation,
remember that the need to interpret
everything will cut your speaking time
approximately in half (unless using
simultaneous interpreting). It is essential
to ensure that the interpreter can cope
with any technical or specialist terms in the
presentation. If you are giving a speech,
give the interpreter the text well in advance
and forewarn them of any changes.
40
To get the best out of your interpreter:
Hire a well-briefed professional Avoid jargon, unless you know your
interpreter. Though this is likely to be interpreter is familiar with the terminology.
expensive, it will be money well spent.
L isten to how your interpreter interprets
Have your own interpreter available, even what you have just said. If you have given
if your Taiwanese counterparts have one a lengthy explanation but the interpreter
for their side. With your own interpreter, translates it into only a few words, it may
you should also be able to get some be that they have not fully understood.
post-meeting feedback concerning the Or they may be wary of passing on a
nuances of what was said (and just as message that is too blunt and will not be
importantly not said). well received by the audience.
Try to involve your interpreter at every Make sure that your message is getting
stage of your pre-meeting arrangements. through clearly and in a tone that will not
The quality of interpretation will improve cause resentment.
greatly if you provide adequate briefing
on the subject matter. Ensure your A list of translators and interpreters is
interpreter understands what you are available on request from UKTI in Taiwan.
trying to achieve.
Speak clearly and evenly with regular
breaks for interpretation. Dont ramble on
for several paragraphs without pause. Your
interpreter will find it hard to remember
everything you have said, let alone
interpret all your points. Conversely, dont
speak in short phrases and unfinished
sentences. Your interpreter may find it
impossible to translate the meaning if you
have left a sentence hanging.
41
Business Issues and Considerations
The Taiwanese market is a favourite among
foreign direct investors. However, while the
countrys thriving economy, liberalising
marketplace and widespread use of English
in business makes it an appealing choice
for UK investors, there are some significant
cultural differences and challenges to be
aware of.
Confucian values
Taiwanese society operates according to
Confucian values. These state that people
should respect authority and the collective,
behave virtuously, work and learn hard,
avoid extremes and live moderately. Taiwan
is a collectivist society. People treat others
with respect regardless of their personal
feelings and do not do anything to cause
someone else personal embarrassment. You
will find that, if you can demonstrate these
qualities, you will be more successful in
your business relationships.
42
Face
There is also the concept of face
(mien-tzu), which is found across Asia.
Taiwanese people strive for harmony in
their business and personal relationships.
To prevent loss of face, they will avoid
confrontation or will tell others what they
want to hear rather than tackling issues
head on. For example, rather than say
no, they might say Ill try. This allows a strong relationship with them through
both the person making the request and
the person turning it down to save face
and maintain harmony in the relationship.
Some Westerners can find this approach
confusing. Try rephrasing the question in
different ways so you can compare the
answers you get. If you do cause someone
to lose face, for example, by embarrassing
them, you can restore their dignity by
saying something like Perhaps I didnt
explain myself clearly or I have done the
same thing myself.
Business Issues and Considerations
Business etiquette
Guanxi (connections)
As in mainland China, Taiwanese business
relationships rely on guanxi (pronounced
gwan shee), which essentially means social
or business connections based on mutual
interest or benefit. Guanxi opens doors
and smooths the business process. It is
therefore essential to spend time getting to
know your business contacts and building
or more senior people first. Make sure that
regular and ongoing contact.
You will find being introduced to a company
by a trusted third party, such as the British
Embassy, more effective than going in cold
UKTI in Taiwan can help you here. If you
make a mistake in business, always own up
to it and demonstrate what you are doing to
put it right.
Meetings
Meetings in Taiwan are generally loosely
structured and may not stick to the
planned agenda. They are as much about
building relationships as they are about
discussing business, so be prepared to
spend time on non-business topics.
Meetings may extend well beyond the
agreed time as Taiwanese business
people regard concluding the meeting
satisfactorily as more important than
sticking to a particular timescale. It
is worth remembering this if you are
scheduling several meetings in one day.
Your approach should be formal but
friendly, although avoid making jokes as
this could be interpreted as a lack of respect
for your host. The hierarchical structure of
Taiwanese companies means it is important
to show respect for authority. Ideally, the
most senior person in the team should enter
the room first and greet the most senior
Taiwanese representative. Always greet older
you show due respect and use peoples
titles correctly. Address people by their title
and surname, unless you are invited to use
their first name. If a person does not have
a corporate or government title, use the
honorific Mr, Miss or Madame, followed by
their surname. Leaders should sit opposite
one another around the table.
Handshakes
A handshake is the most common form of
greeting when doing business in Taiwan.
Handshakes are softer than in some other
countries and your Taiwanese host may
lower his eyes as a sign of respect. Men
should wait for women to extend their
hand first. Never use your index finger to
point at somebody.
Body language
You should offer and receive documents
with your right hand, and food with both
hands. Avoid showing the soles of your feet
or pointing your foot at your host when
crossing your legs as this is considered rude.
43
Business Issues and Considerations
Business etiquette (CONTINUED)
Attire
Taiwanese people tend to dress smartly in
business. Suits are recommended, or at least
a jacket and tie. Tight skirts, low necklines
and sleeveless tops should be avoided.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy is an important concept in
Taiwan. Please refer to pg 43 for details of
how you should conduct business meetings
with due regard for peoples experience
and seniority.
Names and titles
When addressing someone in business you
should use their professional titles (professor,
doctor, engineer) and honorific titles.
Women in business
Women are an important part of the
Taiwanese business environment and there
are no special considerations, other than
that regarding handshakes. Businesswomen
in Taiwan conform to the same types of
formalities as men.
Punctuality
When engaged in a business relationship in
Taiwan, you should ensure that delivery times
are clear and that you act quickly to remedy
any problems. You can confirm meeting times
via email or phone, one day beforehand.
44
Business cards
Business cards are exchanged, using both
hands, after the initial introductions have
been made. You should have one side of
your card translated into Mandarin Chinese
and present it to your host with the
translated side uppermost. Be sure to treat
someones business card with respect. You
should examine it before putting it away
and never write on someones card in their
presence. One good tip is to ask a question
based on the information on the card.
Communication style
The Taiwanese style of communicating
is indirect. They will take great care to
avoid causing offence and, if they disagree
with something, they will simply remain
silent. You need to listen patiently to what
is being said (and not said) and avoid
becoming visibly frustrated or irritated.
Allow plenty of time for negotiations and
remain dignified throughout. Whereas in
the UK brevity is valued, in Taiwan it may
be interpreted as rudeness.
Gift-giving
Giving small gifts to business
acquaintances is common in Taiwan. When
visiting the country, it may be useful to
bring a number of souvenir items, such as
English bone china, company pens or silk
ties to give away on suitable occasions.
High-quality Scotch whisky would normally
make a welcome gift for valued contacts.
It is important that all gifts are carefully
wrapped in quality paper - red, pink and
yellow are considered auspicious colours,
but white, blue or black should be avoided.
There are certain cultural considerations
to bear in mind. Do not give odd numbers
of gifts, or four of anything, as four is
considered unlucky. Also, try to avoid
giving a clock or umbrella as a gift because
they are associated with bad luck.
The gift is likely to be refused at first as
a gesture of politeness. Attempt to give
the gift again, but do not force the issue.
You should give and receive a gift with
both hands and it is customary to leave
it unopened when you are with the giver.
Gifts should always be reciprocated at
the same level if not immediately then
shortly afterwards.
Dining
Taiwanese people prefer to entertain in
public places rather than in their home.
If you are invited into your hosts home,
therefore, you should consider it a great
honour and behave appropriately.
45
 Business Issues and Considerations
Intellectual property rights (IPR)

After its accession to the World Trade

Organisation in 2002, Taiwan set about
bringing its intellectual property laws
up to the standard of the Agreement on
Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIP). The administration of patent,
trademark and copyright laws falls under
the authority of the Taiwan Intellectual
Property Office (TIPO), part of the MOEA.
For detailed information, contact TIPO or
UKTI in Taiwan.

Taiwan Intellectual Property Office

3F, 185 Hsinhai Road, Sec.2
Taipei 10637
Taiwan.
Tel: +886 (2) 2738-0007
www.tipo.gov.tw

46 47
Business Issues and Considerations
Procurement
Details of procurement opportunities for
the central government in Taiwan are
available via the countrys e-government
procurement system:
http://web.pcc.gov.tw/tps/pss/tender.
do?method=goNews
Local governments have different
procurement systems. Contact UKTI Taiwan
for further information.
48
Business Issues and Considerations
Regulations, Incentives and Tax
The Taiwanese government is committed
to attracting foreign direct investment
and the market is continuing to liberalise.
Fewer than 1 per cent of manufacturing
companies and 5 per cent of service
industries remain closed to overseas
investors. In particular, the Global Net
Project will enable UK companies to
take advantage of greater cross-strait
cooperation between Taiwan and China.
Foreign investors must obtain foreign
investment approval (FIA) from the
Investment Commission of the MOEA. This
entails submitting an investment plan and
relevant documentation. Approval may be
granted subject to certain conditions and
restrictions. Once a company qualifies for
FIA status, it will be entitled to certain
benefits and incentives, such as permission
to repatriate equity and loan investments,
profits, interest and capital gains.
Details of regulations, incentives and
tax related to overseas investment are
available on the Invest Taiwan website.
http://investtaiwan.nat.gov.tw/matter/
show_eng.jsp?ID=8&MID=3
Investment incentives
The Taiwanese government offers various
incentives to make the market more
attractive to foreign investors, generally
in the form of tax breaks. The Statute
for Upgrading Industries (SUI), which
administered these incentives, expired at
the end of 2009. It will be replaced by a
new Statute for Industrial Innovation. This
will provide reduced tax rates for eligible
companies, along with tax incentives
for R&D, skills development, operating
headquarters and international logistics
and distribution centres in Taiwan.
There are also incentives available under
the Statute for Investment by Foreign
Nationals/Overseas Chinese, the Business
Mergers and Acquisitions Act, the Financial
Institutions Merger Act and other laws. For
more information talk to UKTI in Taiwan.
Tax
Taiwan aspires to a simple low-tax system.
In June 2008, the Taiwanese government
formed a Tax Reform Committee which
made various recommendations relating to
tax reforms. Among the key changes was a
reduction in the rate of corporate income
tax from 25 per cent to 20 per cent,
effective from 1 January 2010. The aim
was to combat any negative effects from
the expiry of the SUI and to make Taiwan a
more attractive environment for investors.
49
Business Issues and Considerations
Regulations, Incentives and Tax
(Continued)
The Tax Reform Committee ceased
operations at the end of 2009, but the
Taiwanese government has pledged further
reforms. A monthly publication from
PricewaterhouseCoopers called Taiwan Tax
Updates provides an up-to-date picture of
Taiwans changing tax environment.
Exchange controls
All foreign-exchange transactions are
administered by the Central Bank of
the Republic of China (Taiwan). This
imposes a limit of US$50 million per year
for business entities and US$5 million
per year for resident individuals on any
foreignexchange transfer, inward or
outward, other than trading or service
revenue. Certain exchange transactions
must be reported to the Central Bank.
50
Customs and regulations Labelling and packaging regulations The usage, effective date, method of
Taiwanese Commodity Labelling Law application and preservation and other
Value Added Tax (VAT) sets out the general requirements for the necessary information must also appear
Value Added Tax is known as Business Tax labelling of any merchandise that is not if the commodity is considered dangerous;
in Taiwan. The receiver of imported goods covered by specific regulations. It requires has a limited time effectiveness; is related
is responsible for paying the tax, which that labels in Chinese are affixed to the to public health and safety; has a special
is 5 per cent calculated against the total commodity itself, to the inner and outer property; or has to be handled in a
amount of duty-paying value, customs packing, or on the instruction sheet, special way.
duty and harbour construction dues. If the showing information such as the name
goods are subject to commodity tax, the of the commodity, composition, weight,
formula to calculate business tax will also volume, quantity, specification, usage,
include the cost of the commodity tax. place of origin and date of manufacture.
Sales tax
Foreign companies that do not have any
offices in Taiwan pay 20 per cent sales
tax (i.e. 20 per cent of the total invoice
price). If a UK company can provide a GUI
(Government Unified Invoice) then it pays
only 25 per cent tax of the net profit they
make on the local contract. Branch offices,
representative offices and Taiwanese agents
can issue GUIs.
Export documentation
It is essential to provide the correct
documentation when exporting to Taiwan.
UKTI in Taiwan can provide guidance and
information.
Import controls
Taiwan publishes a List of Commodities
Subject to Import Restrictions, which sets
out the goods for which an import licence is
required. UKTI in Taiwan can provide details.
51

Getting your goods to Taiwan
By sea: Taiwan has four major international
ports - Kaohsiung (the largest), Taichung,
Keelung and Taipei (due for completion in
2011). The Port of Kaohsiung, in southern
Taiwan, has a sailing time to five of the
largest Asia-Pacific ports (Hong Kong,
Manila, Shanghai, Tokyo and Singapore) of
just over two days, making it an important
hub for the region.
By air: Taiwan has two international
airports - Taoyuan (also known as Chiang
Kai-Shek) in the north and Kaohsiung in the
south. Taichung Ching Chuang Kang Airport
operates mostly domestic flights and flights
to outlying islands. Taipei Songshan Airport
is a mid-size commercial airport and
military airbase.
Freight forwarding: Sea and air-freight
services to Taiwan are provided by a
range of companies, including Sea Wing
(www.seawing.co.uk/infoTaiwan.asp) and
52
Dynamic International (www.dynamic-
freight-shipping.co.uk/worldwide/asia/
taiwan/shipping-freight-taiwan.html).
Freight-forwarding companies like these
can provide advice on the best way to
transport goods to Taiwan from the UK. It
takes approximately three to four weeks to
do this by sea, but this will depend upon the
level of service the company provides, and
the time it takes for custom clearance.
Courier: There are many companies
providing courier services to Taiwan,
including DHL and FedEx. UKTI in Taiwan
can provide more information.
Postal parcel/express mail service:
The Chunghwa Post Co. Ltd is Taiwans
official postal service. It has 23 large
offices throughout the country, along with
1,300 post offices. The service delivers
standard letters, registered mail, parcels
and express mail across Taiwan.
www.post.gov.tw/post
Business Issues and Considerations
Getting Paid and Financial Issues
Incoterms Hua Nan Commercial Bank
Exporters will find Incoterms 2000 a useful Mega International Commercial Bank
guide for specifying their obligations for Fubon Bank
delivering goods safely in international Taishin Bank
contracts. Incoterms provide guidance on Chinatrust Bank
the commonly used terms in international
trade. It is a must read for a companys UK banks include:
marketing and sales team. HSBC
Standard Chartered Bank
Terms of payment
UK exporters are advised to insist on a Other major foreign banks include:
confirmed, irrevocable Letter of Credit. If ANZ
commercial factors dictate the need for Bangkok Bank
more favourable terms, it is recommended BNP Paribas
that you consider these only after a period Bank of America
of successful relations, having established The Bank of East Asia
mutual confidence. The Bank of New York
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
Letters of Credit are normally opened four Crdit Agricole Credit Suisse AG
to six weeks prior to the shipment date. Citibank
The expiry date of the Letter of Credit DBS Bank
will be geared very much to the promised Deutsche Bank
delivery date. It is important, therefore, Mizuho Corporate Bank
that delivery promises are fulfilled or the Standard Bank of South Africa
Letter of Credit will expire. State Street Bank and Trust Company
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Banking UBS
Opening hours
Banks in Taiwan are open between All commercial banks are authorised foreign
09.00 to 15.30, Monday to Friday. exchange dealers. Licensed money changers
are also found in urban centres, ports,
Major local banks include: airports and major shopping complexes.
Bank of Taiwan
First Commercial Bank
Chang Hwa Commercial Bank
53
Business Issues and Considerations
Getting Paid and Financial Issues
(Continued)
Currency information
The currency of Taiwan is the new Taiwan
dollar, commonly referred to as the yun,
which can be written in either of two
forms: an informal or a formal , (used
interchangeably). Notes come in NT$2,000,
NT$1,000, NT$500, NT$200 and NT$100
denominations. Coins come in NT$50, NT$20,
NT$10, NT$5 and NT$1 denominations.
Visitors may take up to NT$40,000 into
Taiwan, but will need a permit from the
Ministry of Finance for the import of
anything higher than NT$8,000, as well
as a permit to export anything more than
NT$40,000.
54
There are no limits on the amount of
foreign currency (notes and/or travellers
cheques) visitors may import.
Business Issues and Considerations
Insurance
The private sector in the UK provides
credit insurance for exports of consumer
products, raw materials and other similar
goods. Speak to your banker or insurance
broker for more information, or contact the
British Insurance Brokers Association for
impartial advice.
British Insurance Brokers Association
Tel: +44 (0)870 950 1790 (consumer
helpline)
Email: enquiries@biba.org.uk
www.biba.org.uk
Private-sector insurance has some
limitations, particularly for sales of capital
goods, major services and construction
projects that require longer credit packages
or that are in riskier markets. The Export
Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD),
a separate UK Government department
that reports to the Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation & Skills, provides a
range of products for exporters of such
goods and services.
Export Credits Guarantee Department
Tel: +44 (0)20 7512 7000
Email: help@ecgd.gsi.gov.uk
www.ecgd.gov.uk
55
Business Issues and Considerations
Management, Control
and quality insurance
UK companies use a variety of quality
assurance and management-control
techniques in Taiwan. These include
extensive travelling by UK personnel, a
controlling or liaison presence in Taiwan
and providing extensive training and
management for Taiwanese staff. It is
important not to allow milestones to slip
by, whether these are attending a board
meeting in a joint venture, or arranging
a quality audit at a supplier.
56
Particular attention to detail should be
paid when sourcing products from Taiwan.
Specifications can be easily misunderstood,
so they need to be very clearly explained
and agreed, and a quality-management
system put in place with the Taiwanese
company. Consultancies can undertake all
or part of this process on your behalf.
Business Issues and Considerations
Bribery and corruption
Corruption remains an issue in Taiwan. The
news, in June 2010, that three High Court
judges and a prosecutor had been detained
on suspicion of fixing the outcome of high-
profile cases made world headlines. Taiwans
ranking on the Transparency International
Corruption Perception Index is 33 (score
5.8), but this is an improving picture.
Our advice to companies encountering
corruption in Taiwan is simple dont
get involved. Not only are there
issues of business integrity to bear in
mind, but it is also, of course, illegal.
Invariably, corruption is related to lack of
professionalism and control, all of which
are damaging to long-term business.
57
Business Issues and Considerations
Getting to Taiwan
By air
Taiwan has two international airports,
Taoyuan (also known as Chiang Kai-Shek)
Airport in the north, and Kaohsiung Airport
in the south. In March 2010, China Airlines
began offering direct non-stop flights from
London Heathrow to Taiwan three times a
week. Eva Air flies seven times per week via
Bangkok. Other carriers (e.g. Virgin, Cathay
Pacific and British Airways) require transit
in Hong Kong.
Getting to and from the airport
Travelling from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei
city centre takes 60-75 minutes and
costs NT$1,200-$1,500. The basic taxi
fare is NT$70. Few taxi drivers speak or
read English, so it advisable to carry cards
with your destination address written in
Mandarin. A hotel car can be booked with
the hotel reservation, costing on average
NT$1,500-$1,800. Tipping is optional and
at ones personal discretion. There are no
hard-and-fast guidelines.
58
Travelling within Taiwan
Rail
Taiwan has a good rail system. The tourist
information hotline on 7173737 can
provide details of fares and schedules, as
can any travel agent or the service desk of
Taipei Railway Station on 23713558.
Taipei Metro Rapid Transit (MRT)
All Taipei MRT lines operate between
06.00-24.00 and run approximately every
five to eight minutes. The fare ranges from
NT$20-NT$65. More lines are planned.
For more information about the Taipei
Rapid Transit Corporation, visit the website:
http://english.trtc.com.tw
Road
Traffic travels on the right in Taiwan.
The roads in Taipei and other big cities
are generally heavily congested. Freeways
link most major cities, but traffic jams
are common.
Buses
Taipei has an extensive bus network,
which has become more efficient with the
introduction of bus lanes on the citys
major roads. Buses run from 06.00-22.30
and the basic fare is NT$15. A service
runs every 15 minutes from the airport
to the city centre between 07.50-23.30.
A complete listing of routes can be found
in the Taipei Bus Guide by Damien Brown,
available from Taipei bookstores.
Car hire
Any foreigner who wishes to drive in Taiwan
must have a valid drivers licence. For short-
stay visitors, an International Drivers Permit
issued outside Taiwan will suffice, but if
you are planning to stay in Taiwan for more
than six months, you are advised to obtain a
Taiwan Drivers Licence. Car-rental companies
do exist, but self-drive is not a popular
option because of the high number of traffic
accidents and the difficulty in finding car
parking spaces. Many visitors prefer to hire
a car and driver through their hotel.
Places to stay, eat and shop
As well as advising on business issues, the
UKTI team in Taipei can offer practical,
onthe-ground assistance with all aspects
of your business trip to Taiwan, from where
to stay through to good places to eat or
hold product launches.
Visas
British nationals holding a passport with at
least six months unexpired validity, who are
visiting Taiwan for up to 90 days, do not
require a visa to enter the country, provided
they have a confirmed onward ticket and
do not have a criminal record. An extension
of another 90 days can be granted to a
person who enters Taiwan this way. British
nationals who hold a passport of less than
six months validity will not be permitted
to enter Taiwan unless a visa has been
obtained prior to departure from the UK.
All enquiries about visas, work permits and
entry into Taiwan should be directed to
the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.
You should allow two days to obtain a visa,
although a same-day service is available.
Taipei Representative Office
50 Grosvenor Gardens
London SW1W 0EB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7881 2650
www.roc-taiwan.org/uk
Email: consulate@taiwan-tro.uk.net
Opening hours: 09.30-12.30, Monday to
Friday
Time zone
Taiwan is eight hours ahead of Greenwich
Mean Time.
59
Taiwanese CULTURE Taiwanese Culture
Politics

In a highly competitive business
environment, it is more important than
ever to understand the business culture
of your target markets. Understanding
business culture helps you to understand,
anticipate and respond to unexpected
behaviour. It also ensures that you
behave in an acceptable way and avoid
misunderstandings. Refer to the Business
Etiquette section for detailed guidance.
China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan
since the end of the Chinese Civil War
in 1949. As the Communists came to
power in China, the defeated Nationalist
government fled to Taiwan.
Tensions have remained between Taiwan
and mainland China ever since. China was
angered by the former President of Taiwan,
Chen Siu-bians moves towards formal
independence. However, in March 2008,
President Ma Ying-jeou came to power and
has adopted a more conciliatory stance.
For the first time in 60 years, the leaders
of China and Taiwan exchanged direct
messages in July 2009. A year later, the
two parties signed an historic trade pact.
Despite this, China continues to insist that
nations cannot have official diplomatic
relations with both China and Taiwan. This
has led to diplomatic isolation for Taiwan.
It has formal diplomatic ties with only
two dozen countries, mainly Pacific, South
American and African states.
previously been an authoritarian one-party
state. The trade agreement signed with
China in 2010 is seen as a landmark deal.
President
President Ma Ying-jeou was sworn in
on 20 May 2008, ending eight years of
Democratic Progressive Party rule. Mr Ma
was the youngest-ever cabinet minister
in 1988 and earned a reputation for
combating corruption as justice minister
from 1993-1996. He led the Nationalist
Party (Kuomintang) from 2005-7. Mr
Mas conciliatory manner has earned the
respect of his supporters and opponents
alike. His presidential campaign focused on
improving relations with mainland China
and helping Taiwans financial services
industry to establish itself there. The deal
signed in 2010 is viewed by many as one
of the Presidents major successes.

Taiwan has no seat at the United Nations,

having lost it to China in 1971. Repeated
attempts to regain representation at the
UN have been blocked.

However, despite its diplomatic isolation,

Taiwan has become one of Asias biggest
traders. In the early 1990s, the island
made the transition to democracy, having

60 61
Taiwanese Culture Taiwanese Culture Taiwanese Culture
TAIWAN ECONOMIC FACTS 2011 Religion Challenges

The main religions in Taiwan are Taoism, Although the business climate in Taiwan
taiwan Economic Facts 2011 (unless otherwise indicated)
Buddhism and Christianity. Religion is not is improving all the time, some obstacles
UK (as a a sensitive issue in the country and the still remain. There are a few market-access
Taiwan comparison)
constitution guarantees religious freedoms. issues faced by UK companies in the areas
*Population 23.03 million 61.8 million
of pharmaceuticals, alcoholic beverages (lot
*GDP per capita (purchasing power parity ppp) US$19,155 (2010) US$35,900 coding/white spirits), public construction
*Nominal GDP US$427 billion US$2.25 trillion regulations, IPR and registering in Taiwan.
(2010)
*GDP growth (real) 5.2% 1.1% The British Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei
takes market-access issues seriously and is
**World Bank ease of doing business ranking 25 7
in regular discussions with senior officials
***Global Competitiveness Report ranking 13 (2011/12) 12 (2011/12) in Taiwan to tackle the problem. UKTI can
Source: *Economist Intelligence Unit/**World Bank/***World Economic Forum offer advice on overcoming these challenges
and provide up-to-date information about
developments in the marketplace.

62 63
Contacts
If you have a specific export enquiry
about the Taiwanese market which is not
answered by the information on this report,
you can contact:
UK Trade & Investment Enquiry Service
Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 8000
Fax: +44 (0)141 228 3693
Email: enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk
You will be signposted to the appropriate
section on our website, or transferred
directly to the British Trade & Cultural
Office in Taipei. Or, you may contact the
British Trade and Cultural Office directly.
British Trade & Cultural Office
26th Floor, President International Tower,
9-11 Song Gao Road,
Xin Yi District,
Taipei 11073,
Taiwan
Tel: +886 (2) 8758 2088
Fax: +886 (2) 8758 2050
http://ukintaiwan.fco.gov.uk
British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei
(BCCT)
The BCCT champions the Britain-Taiwan
business interests of its members. It is an
independent, non-government organisation
made up of organisations affiliated with
the UK and includes some of the most
prominent organisations in Taiwan. The
BCCT offers a range of membership
activities, including presentations and
64
networking events. It has a close working Customs & regulations Standards and technical regulations
relationship with the British Trade &
Cultural Office and the British Council. HM Revenue & Customs British Standards Institution (BSI)
www.hmrc.gov.uk www.bsigroup.com/en/sectorsandservices/
British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei Disciplines/ImportExport
26 Floor, President International Tower Economic information
9-11 Song Gao Road National Physical Laboratory
Taipei 11073 The Economist www.npl.co.uk
Taiwan www.economist.com/countries
Tel: +886 (2) 2720 1919 Trade statistics
Fax: +886 (2) 2720 9200 Export control
Email: info@bcctaipei.com National Statistics
www.bcctaipei.com Export Control Organisation www.statistics.gov.uk/hub
www.bis.gov.uk/exportcontrol
Country information UK trade information
Export finance and insurance www.ukti.gov.uk
BBC website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles Export Credits Guarantee Department Travel advice
www.ecgd.gov.uk
FCO country profile FCO
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/ Intellectual property www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-
travel-advice-by-country/country-profile abroad
Intellectual Property Office
Culture and communications www.ipo.gov.uk NHS
www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad
CILT National Centre for Languages Market access
Regional Language Network in your area: Travel health
www.cilt.org.uk/workplace/employer_ Market Access Database for Tariffs www.travelhealth.co.uk
support/in_your_area.aspx (for non-EU markets only)
http://madb.europa.eu/mkaccdb2/
Kwintessential culture guides indexPubli.htm
www.kwintessential.co.uk
SOLVIT Overcoming Trade Barriers
(EU markets only)
www.bis.gov.uk/EUMarketAccessUnit
65
 Crown Copyright 2011
You may reuse this information (not including logos, images and case studies) free of charge in any format
or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence visit
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ or write to the Information Policy Team,
The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk
Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to our Enquiry Service by email:
enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk or telephone: + 44 (0)20 7215 8000 (Monday Friday 09.00-17.00)
This publication is also available from our website at www.ukti.gov.uk

66 67
HELPING YOUR BUSINESS GROW INTERNATIONALLY

A range of UK Government support is available from a portfolio of initiatives called

Solutions for Business (SfB). The solutions are available to qualifying businesses,
and cover everything from investment and grants through to specialist advice,
collaborations and partnerships.
UK Trade & Investment is the Government Department that helps UK-based companies
succeed in the global economy, and is responsible for the delivery of the SfB product
Helping Your Business Grow Internationally.
We also help overseas companies bring their high-quality investment to the UKs dynamic
economy acknowledged as Europes best place from which to succeed in global business.
UK Trade & Investment offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of
specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world.
We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.
For further information please visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000.

Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this document is accurate, neither
UK Trade & Investment nor its parent Departments (the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office) accept liability for any errors, omissions or misleading statements, and no
warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other
organisation mentioned.
The paper in this document is made from 50 per cent recycled waste pulp with 50 per cent pulp from
well-managed forests. This is a combination of Totally Chlorine Free and Elemental Chlorine Free.
The inks are vegetable oil-based and contain resins from plants/trees and the laminate on the cover
is sustainable, compostable and can be recycled.
Published March 2011 by UK Trade & Investment
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