Short content summaries of recent Market Bulletins of Interest to US Exporters follow. U.S. exporters may use this request form to obtain a free, complete copy of any of the below reports.

Taoyuan County Plans to Build Sports Dome (7/8/2004)

Taoyuan County is moving forward with plans for the construction of a Taoyuan Sports Dome and accompanying recreation facilities. The Taoyuan Dome is an estimated NT$18 billion BOT (build-operate-transfer) project scheduled for completion in 2007. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Kaohsiung County Plans to Build Sports Dome (7/8/2004)

In preparation for their successful bid to host the Eighth World Games in 2009, the Kaohsiung City Government will invest NT$7.8 billion to construct a multifunctional sports dome. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Taiwan Standards Regime (7/2/2004)

This report provides general information about Taiwan's national standards, conformity assessment, product certification, accreditation, technical regulations, labeling/marking requirements, and key contact information to help American firms facilitate export sales. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Bridging the Digital Divide in Taiwan (7/1/2004)

The digital divide exists in every society in the world, and Taiwan is no exception. As Taiwan works to improve this situation, U.S. firms may find opportunities to provide information and communications technology (ICT) training / consulting services, as well as digital content. For the next five years, experts estimate that the Taiwan authorities will spend over NT$400 million (US$13.2 million) per year on these projects. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Current Status of Taiwan Asset Securitization (6/30/2004)

On March 11, 2002, Taiwan's Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) approved a draft of the Asset Securitization Law. This proposed law, designed to promote Taiwan¡¦s property market, will allow asset-backed securities to be traded without transaction costs, while benefiting from preferential land tax and housing tax. In addition, on March 21, 2001, the Executive Yuan (Cabinet) completed its review of a draft bill that would regulate the securitization of real estate and properties. The draft bill initially allows only trust and investment companies to issue certificates of beneficiary, but the Cabinet has considered lowering the requirements for establishing a trust to open opportunities to property developers. This bill is expected to receive the Cabinet¡¦s approval in the near future. Proposals were also made at a public hearing to offer tax exemptions or other benefits to foreign institutions, as well as to utilize special purpose corporations (SPCs) and special purpose trusts (SPTs) to carry out real estate securitization.
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Revised Commodity Labeling Act (6/30/2004)

This report provides information about the revised Commodity Labeling Act, which took effect on June 25, 2004, to help U.S. firms facilitate export sales to the Taiwan market. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Updates on Taiwan’s Steel Industry (6/18/2004)

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has indicated that the business cycle for the steel industry will follow the historical pattern which occurred during the energy crisis in 1970. That period was characterized by high demand growth, high production growth, high material demand growth, high capacity utilization, and rapid expansion of production capacity. MOEA projects that the prospects for the steel industry in Taiwan is promising for the coming 2-3 years. Taiwan imports crude steel and cold & hot rolled steel. U.S. steel suppliers specializing in these product lines will find good business opportunities in Taiwan. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Taiwan is Promoting Solar Energy (5/5/2004)

Taiwan's authorities have announced a plan to promote an island-wide solar energy development project. In order to promote clean power sources, the Executive Yuan (Cabinet) decided to invest US$295 million to develop photovoltaic cells for harnessing solar energy, which is the most mature, clean power source in the world and can be used as a substitute power source during peak energy-use hours. By the year 2020, the island's solar power generating capacity is expected to reach 4.5 million kilowatts. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Business Opportunities Exist in Seismic Proofing of Taiwan's Bridges (5/5/2004)

After a devastating earthquake on September 21 1999, Taiwan authorities began have been actively repairing quake-hit transportation facilities. Damage was done to the railway system, highways, bridges and Taichung Harbor. Recently, the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) drew up a rehabilitation plan to repair bridges and upgrade their capability to withstand seismic activity. A consultancy bid will open in July 2004. In the first stage, emphasis will be placed on planning for maintenance of 300 bridges, though the actual repair construction work is expected to be carried out in July 2005. American companies specializing in bridge maintenance and seismic isolation systems will find good business opportunities to take part in the area. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin

Standards for Sunscreen Protection Cosmetic Products (4/29/2004)

Sunscreen protection products and whitening products are very popular items among Taiwan consumers that use medicated cosmetics. The Department of Health (DOH), the local healthcare authority, recently updated a list of ingredients for sunscreen protection cosmetic products. All products claim to provide sunscreen protection cannot exceed the specified limits. Manufacturers and importers must apply to DOH for pre-marketing registration before the products can be imported or manufactured. Click here to order a free copy of this Market Bulletin