TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Third Wednesday Club Chairman Lin Por-fong, on Wednesday (Jan. 17), expressed hope that President-elect Lai Ching-te would take active measures to improve cross-strait relations and maintain economic cooperation under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) once in office.
Lin emphasized three hopes of the industrial and commercial sectors: handling of international relations well, harmony in cross-strait relations through communication and exchange to resolve issues, and the establishment of communication mechanisms with China by the new president and new parliament.
Lin believes that cross-strait relations impact economic development, and therefore, calls for the loosening of restrictions on the economy, tourism, and culture across the Strait.
He advocated for active maintenance of the ECFA and pointed out that international economic agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), wouldn't be possible without mainland China's consent.
Lin expressed concerns about the impacts on the petrochemical, machinery, and textile industries if China decides to terminate the ECFA.
Compal Electronics Chairman Hsu Sheng-hsiung pointed out that last year was characterized by constant change and challenges across industries, technologies, economies, politics, and even conflicts among global nations.
He indicated that with over 50 countries expected to hold elections this year, including the United States, Russia, and India, it would influence the rise and fall of global alliances.
Given the current global environment of "one Earth, two standards, three production blocks," he predicts global unrest.
He also warned of nations vying for resources and the need for industries to monitor potential escalations of conflicts.