前高雄美國商會會長愛德華致詞.JPG

新任高雄美國商會會長史進會長致詞.JPG

美國在台協會高雄分處歐處長致詞.JPG

新舊任會長回答現場媒體提問.JPG

(中英文對照版) Aboutthe American Chamber of Commerce Kaohsiung:

TheAmerican Chamber of Commerce Kaohsiung (AmCham Kaohsiung) serves as anindependent forum and representative body for U.S. and Taiwanese firms. Ithelps American companies integrate into the Southern Taiwan business communityand allows firms in Taiwan to build better ties and associations with American businessentities. AmCham Kaohsiung assists American companies wishing to invest in ortrade with Taiwan. To achieve this, AmCham Kaohsiung works with the AmericanInstitute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch as well as the US Foreign CommercialService in Taiwan, the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, AIT Taipei andthe US Chamber of Commerce in Washington.

高雄美國商會簡介：

This2014 edition of the AmCham K White Paper Executive Summary

hasbeen authored by,

BrianAiello

摘要

南台灣未來之四大重要基石

·交通往來發展可以創造收益的產業需要有便利的海陸空交通。不論是乘船（如郵輪）或是搭飛機（一般商用客機或私人飛機），進出台灣的交通網應要四通八達、快速便利，包括有效率的入境手續。對市區交通的需求越來越多，因此應繼續擴展捷運系統服務，並搭配順暢的道路交通以及充足的停車位。

·教育訓練全球經濟緩步復甦尤其是中國經濟降溫，將帶來新的挑戰與契機，這將加大對台灣創造力與商業能力的需求。台灣教育系統需要確實加強其體制，同時與地方公司及國際企業合作，確保將人才流失減到最低，並吸引更多海外學生到台灣就讀及進一步留在台灣就業。如果台灣可以培育出在廣泛領域上已做好充分準備的勞動力，便可成功將其定位為企業進出亞洲的最佳樞紐。擁有具備知識技能、高效率且具有高價值的勞動力是吸引企業、留住企業的重要關鍵，有助於確保台灣在未來幾個世代都能成為世界領導者。

·穩固工商業基礎高雄的傳統重工業製造基地、台南的歷史文化根基以及屏東的農業經濟，應繼續轉型為更乾淨、更高科技、以觀光旅遊業與服務業為基礎的經濟型態，這將能促進實質的永續成長與穩健經濟發展。共同要件是發展再生能源技術、引進國外投資、促進觀光，以及吸引企業進駐南台灣。

·環境責任促使傳統產業成為社區的重要份子，提供資源協助升級，幫助它們轉型為更乾淨的產業。

TIFA、TPP、RCEP、ECFA

·台美貿易暨投資架構協定（TIFA）持續進行會談、ECFA後續的兩岸服貿協議、台灣與新加坡及紐西蘭簽訂貿易協定等，對台灣而言都是非常正面的發展。進一步採行國際標準與協定是必要的，以便能更善加利用WTO的既有架構。台灣需要繼續努力爭取加入泛太平洋戰略經濟夥伴協定（TPP）及區域全面經濟夥伴協定（RCEP），同時爭取和更多國家簽署貿易協定。台灣人民充滿創業家精神與創造力，這是令人讚嘆的堅強實力。此外在持續探討TPP及RCEP議題的同時，台灣應繼續專注於完成兩岸於2010年簽訂ECFA之後續協議。

·推廣｢Made in Taiwan｣成為世界首屈一指的品牌形象，並且加深對國際標準的認識與遵行，這些作為現在比以往任何時候都更重要。想想｢Made in Taiwan, Enjoyed Everywhere｣（台灣製造、全球享受）。同時，台灣需要建立新的國際夥伴關係，以便在全球市場上更具競爭力。在探尋任何新商機、新夥伴或新投資者時，記住行動技術、乾淨能源創新等領域，以及將台灣定位為通往亞洲的理想門戶等。應搭建並擴大信賴之橋，使台灣企業可以更有效率在世界各地擴展商機。藉著搭起｢信賴之橋」，企業可以將其定位為具有專業知識、遵行國際標準、具有高度責任感並且在其國內市場享有優良商譽。這些信賴之橋可透過台美大學建立合作關係帶來重要益處，作為企業未來推展商機的平台。

提供必要資源支持未被歌頌的英雄

台灣有兩個政府機關對觀光、外商投資與整體經濟能產生重大影響，但它們既不是經發局、觀光局也不是外貿協會或任何你會立刻聯想到的政府單位；當然這些單位都做了許多很棒的工作。這兩個政府機關分別是內政部入出國及移民署和交通部民航局。

移民署主掌在台外籍人士的所有一切事務。外國遊客、潛在投資人、外籍勞工、家庭幫傭等許多人都需要移民署，以確保在台定居、工作能成為正面、合法且安全有保障的經歷。近年來移民署做了許多努力使其業務運作更為明確、有效率且能提供協助、回應民眾需求。這些改善顯而立見，比起過去，台灣現已成為更容易讓外籍人士定居、工作的地方，同時台灣也能以善意、體諒對待那些逾期居留或遭遇問題的外籍人士。此外，移民署在防制人口販運的努力上也值得稱許。但當然也有可以改善服務的地方。為滿足觀光旅遊業成長、國外投資與人才進駐需求增加，移民署需要適當的硬體設施與人力資源以達成其設定目標。

對台灣成功默默做出貢獻的另一個無名英雄是交通部民航局。在經驗豐富的民航局局長眼中，航太產業日益複雜多變帶來龐大工作量，即便是任何一個平常日就讓人備感艱辛，何況是那些無可避免的壞日子更是讓人精神緊繃。有了民航局使外國遊客及投資人可以飛抵台灣，若是少了民航局，台灣就成了一片汪洋中的島嶼，任誰都到不了這個島上。

提供均衡教育

·教育訓練可說是確保南台灣成功未來最重要的投資。企業、政府與學術界需要確切評估未來勞動力的需求。產官學三方應共同承擔責任致力於達成下列目標：

1. 清楚了解工商業的需求。台灣企業界應明確傳達其人力技能之需求所在，以確保新的勞動人口進入職場時，所有立下的基礎可以到位、滿足那些需求。（應確保政府及學界了解產業需求所在）

2. 了解政府角色需因時制宜以滿足未來成長需求，政府官員與公務員能做好準備、執行配套計畫，使工商業界及學術界不至因法令不合時宜或政治口角而窒礙難行。（持續拓展和教師及企業的對話溝通，以確保政府能提供即時到位的支援協助。）

3. 制定可以最密切反映未來勞動力需求的課程設計。（教師應盡可能提供最佳環境以發掘、培育學生的技能）

·投資時間和資源建立產學合作與夥伴關係，將給予企業更多發言權影響未來勞動力應如何培訓發展的方式，將給予學生更好的機會找到符合他們技能的工作，將促使學校了解業界人力資源需求所在。

·持續建立與外籍教師更佳的對話溝通管道，這些外籍教師的母語是未來勞動人口正在學習的語言。持續與本地學校及外籍教師合作，以更確實了解什麼對學生是最好的，以及如何讓更多英語為母語的外籍教師可以提供各種科目的授課，以拓展學生視野，使學生做好充分準備面對未來。促進外籍教師更多參與設計新課程。

·擴展針對培育觀光旅遊業的課程：包括飯店餐旅管理、國際美食、旅遊管理、演唱會展活動管理、餐廳管理等。

·應採納專題導向學習及更全方位的學生評量方式。只有在毅力、專注力、與他人共事等能力培育能和認知技能相結合時，才可創造富有生產力的勞動人口。

·若要成為真正國際化的城市，我們必須鼓勵、支持國際學校。私立學校必須繼續努力展臂協助社區發展，而社區也應展臂歡迎那些致力於為南部孩童建構良好成長環境的私立學校。公私立學校可以在課程、資源、教職員和想法上進行交流分享，這種做法有益於所有學生。教育人員和市府官員應呼籲大家攜手合作為所有學生提供高品質教育。優質私立學校可以大大增進吸引外商和人才的進駐，同時也成為台灣學生到國外深造的最佳跳板。

能源與環境

·再生能源和永續能源將會主導未來數十年國內外的經濟發展。台灣必須把握契機成為全球乾淨能源產業的領導者，才能與其夥伴交換意見和技術、開發創新的解決方案，並且輸出更美好的未來嘉惠鄰國。南部擁有發展乾淨能源技術、建置示範計畫和提供整合方案的理想條件；為此，南台灣應致力於研發、投資並行銷能源創新方案，不僅應著眼於新技術，也應針對現有技術開發創新的使用方法。

·自從三年前日本福島核災發生後，核能一直是很具爭議性的議題。台灣需要探究所有可行的能源方案，無論未來是否傾向於依賴核電，如果能源策略突然改弦易轍，最多在推行上將極度困難，最壞情況將對經濟造成災難性的衝擊影響。台灣未來的能源組合不僅應擴及更廣泛的領域，也必須讓社會各個階層清楚了解，包括最先進的核能技術與替代方案。既然台灣這麼仰賴核能，當然必須要謹慎行事，但也應以開放的心態看待在核能與地熱能、碳捕捉與碳封存等能源領域上出現的最新科學進展與高科技進步，天然氣的短中期利益，以及太陽能、風能、潮汐能等發展趨勢。可以把像福島事件的各種因素納入分析的新數據與電腦模型，對建立新設計與系統很有幫助。有供應安全和充足的能源是至關重要的，成本也是一個重要因素。台灣可以把這個挑戰視為新契機。發揮創新能力並致力於成為乾淨、安全、可靠能源的典範，然後將技術行銷出去。以創新方式利用現有成熟的能源技術可以帶來新的可能性，將各種不同的能源生產形式以創新的手法整合也可能帶來新潛力及新的可能性，這些在幾年前都還不存在。

·在發展乾淨能源與觀光旅遊業機會之間取得平衡。這兩個產業應時常溝通聯繫，確保旅遊業的成長對環境的負面衝擊能降到最低。如果能善加發揮所長，這些產業可以相輔相成。｢能源生態旅遊」指的是世界各地的遊客來觀光了解如何將能源生產和生態保育技術相互整合的創新方式，可以創造務實的能源解決方案及生活型態，對環境及經濟產生正面影響。

觀光旅遊

·開發優質旅遊體驗，尤其因為目前市場上充斥陸客來台旅遊團。尋找可以提供高附加價值旅遊經驗的方法，以吸引更多可創造較高收益的遊客。

·以近幾個月期間的觀光旅遊相關新聞為例，根據希爾頓酒店集團的市調指出，新加坡遊客票選台灣為｢最受歡迎美食目的地」，該市調訪查了澳洲、中國、香港、印尼、日本、韓國、馬來西亞、新加坡、泰國等兩千七百多名觀光客。全球線上訂房供應商Hotels.com在去年11月19日揭曉，全球最優惠的聖誕禮物購物地點中，台灣脫穎而出拿下經濟實惠第1名。根據內政部公布的統計，2013年入境來台旅客共計8,016,280人次，以來自中國（包含港澳）占50.62％最多，漲幅也最大，比前一年成長12.7％。

·作為台灣的新興產業，觀光旅遊業已有好的開端；台灣需要開發創新方式迎合及吸引優質遊客，並且突顯台灣成為最具有價值的旅遊度假目的地。

·台灣需要持續培養觀光旅遊業勞動力，具有能保持在一定水準薪資與易於管理的工作時間表。應善用觀光旅遊科系學生到重要運輸樞紐進行市調訪查，使業界可以取得更多意見回饋。

·觀光旅遊不僅僅只和｢觀光客」有關。2013亞太城市高峰會於高雄舉行期間，從會議參與者的意見回饋中可以發現許多有趣的趨勢。一般而言，參與峰會的外籍人士都對高雄市及其環保責任的精進留下深刻印象。高雄，你做得好棒。但也許最有趣的意見回饋是關於峰會的志工。全台各地的學生受訓、做好準備迎接峰會盛事的到來，他們才是台灣的最佳代言人。每一位參與峰會及本白皮書作者也親自訪查的外籍人士（多達好幾百人）都肯定表示，志工有問必答、親切有禮，而且令人訝異的是可以了解他們碰到的問題，並快速、果斷地提供協助，並且總是以最積極正面的心態來應對。這些志工樂意的、令人感到窩心的伸出援手，還有誰能比得過他們來為台灣發聲，這也是此次亞太城市高峰會所帶來的許多寶貴經驗。

商業發展

·2014台灣國際遊艇展將在5月舉行，我們必須希望屆時所有準備工作已完備、就緒，展覽期間我們必須確認所有發生的好事、壞事，將成功經驗擴大，並從失敗經驗中學習不要重蹈覆轍。可喜的是遊艇展之前將先舉辦台灣國際扣件展覽會，也正好是本白皮書付梓之際，應能為國際遊艇展提供良好經驗。值得注意的是，高雄市議會已試圖刪除市府舉辦遊艇展的預算，將使該展覽會的舉辦成果岌岌可危。國際性會展活動不僅能為參展的各個產業創造收益，也能帶動飯店、餐廳、購物等各種商機。為了未來吸引最理想的會展活動到高雄舉行，這次展覽會高雄務必要給外界留下好印象。

·我們生活在網路與行動通訊的時代。我們不僅需要持續將線上資訊的提供與呈現更加完備，也要讓資訊可以行動化。一般筆電、超輕薄筆電、平板電腦、智慧型手機等裝置隨處可見，且每年使用者人數不斷上升。盡可能以最有效率的方式進軍這個潛在市場，提供Android、iOS、Windows系統行動裝置格式及線上格式的app，將可確保最大程度的資訊提供與取得。全球70多億人口中有27.5億人使用網路（比去年增加6億人）。根據美國市場研究公司eMarketer.com報告顯示，全球智慧型手機使用人數去年剛剛越過10億人，到2014年底預計將成長到17.5億人，到2017年預計將成長至50億人。根據statisticbrain.com數據顯示，月活躍用戶有超過13億人；What’s App月活躍用戶有4.65億人、日活躍用戶有3.3億人；Line聲稱使用者超過3億人；Instagram聲稱月活躍用戶超過1.5億人、照片分享總數已達160億張、每日照片上傳數量達5千5百萬張；Skype聲稱使用者有3億人等。顯然地，如果你想要爭取到最多的觀眾，網路與行動應用程式是最好的方法。

大方向

·南台灣必須持續致力於建立並鞏固在吸引國外投資上具備的六大優勢，包括：

1.優越的地理位置與物流條件

2.優良的海空雙港與全年氣候舒適宜人

3. 完整的產業聚落

4. 充沛的人力供應

5. 完整的產業交通網路

6. 完整的提供外商良好的食衣住行育樂

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

The Four Cornerstones of Southern Taiwan’s Future

·ACCESSDevelopment of revenuegenerating industries requires easyaccess by air, sea and land. Comprehensive and convenient choices ingetting to Taiwan should include efficient arrival procedures whether by sea(Cruise Ships) or air (Commercial, Business or Private Jet). Growing demands onlocal transportation require continuing development and expansion of masstransit systems, smooth flowing traffic and adequate parking.

·EDUCATION and TRAININGThe slow-going global economic recovery,the ongoing efforts in Mexico to get back on track, Brazil’s growing debt,crime and wealth disparity as it prepares for the 2014 FIFA and 2016 Olympics,and the cooling economy in China will create new challenges and opportunitiesthat will increasedemands on Taiwan’screativity and business abilities. Taiwan’s educational system needs toreally step up its game while working with local and international companies sothat brain drain can be minimized, and more students from abroad can beattracted to study and find work here. Taiwan will successfully position itselfas the perfect hub for business to, from and in Asia if it can nurture andproduce a broad array of well-prepared members of the workforce. A talented andefficient high-value workforce is a very important part of attracting andkeeping the businesses that will help ensure that the island will be aworld-leader for future generations to come.

·SOLID COMMERCIAL and INDUSTRIALBASEThe continuingtransition from Kaohsiung’s traditional heavyindustry manufacturing base; fromTainan’s historic and spiritual foundation; and from Pingtung’s agriculturaleconomy to cleaner, higher-tech, tourism and service based economies will leadto real sustainable growth and robust economic stability. Expansion of renewable energy technologies,foreign investment, tourism, and corporate relocation to the south are commonessentials.

·ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITYMaketraditional industries vital community members by assisting in cleaningup while providing support and resources to assist upgrades.

TIFA, TPP, RCEP and ECFA

·The ongoingTIFA talksBetween the US and Taiwan, expansion of the ECFA with a Trade and Services Agreement between Taiwan and theMainland, the trade agreements between Taiwan and Singapore and New Zealand, areall very positive steps for Taiwan.Further adoption of international standards and protocols are needed in order totake better advantage of working through established protocols of the WTO.Taiwan needs to continue its work towards becoming an active member in the TransPacific Partnership(TPP)and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)whileit seeks additional trade agreements abroad. The entrepreneurial spirit andcreativity of the people in Taiwan is an amazingly strong force.Taiwan can usethe model under which it joined the World Trade Organization (in the name ofthe “separate customs of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu”)if needed to achieveparticipation in the RCEP. Meanwhile, as the TPP and RCEP continue to bediscussed, there must remain a focus to complete follow-up talks on theEconomic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed between the two sides of theTaiwan Strait in 2010.

·Promoting “Made in Taiwan” branding,as a world leader, while getting an improved understanding and compliance withworldwide standards is even more important than ever before. Think “Made inTaiwan, Enjoyed Everywhere”. At the same time, Taiwan needs to forge newinternational partnerships in order to be more competitive in the globalmarket. Mobile technology, clean energy innovation and creative positioning asthe ideal gateway to Asia are primary items that need to be remembered whenexploring any new business, partner,or investor.Trust Bridges need to be established and expanded in order forTaiwan companies to more efficiently grow business with the world. These TrustBridges are an important benefit of cooperation through US and TaiwanUniversities, which can act as the platform for which future business canprosper.

Providing theNeeded Resources and Support to the Silent Heroes

Thereare two agencies in Taiwan that have a major impact on tourism, foreigninvestment, and the economy in Taiwan. These are not the ones you are likely tothink of first; not the Bureau of Economic Development, or the Tourism Bureau,or TAITRA or another group, although they all do a lot of good work.. The twoagencies I refer to work in the background, quietly but with purpose. I amreferring to the NIA and CAA.

The NIA is responsible all things regardingforeigners in Taiwan. Visitors, potential investors, migrant workers, domestichelp, and so many more people need the NIA to make sure that living and workingin Taiwan is a positive, legal and safe experience. The National ImmigrationAgency has done so much in recent years to become more responsive and helpful,more efficient and clear. The improvements are both significant and easy tosee. Taiwan is now a less confusing place to live and work in, and at the sametime a place where persons are treated with kindness and understanding whenthey overstay or have problems. In addition, their work at eliminating humantrafficking is commendable indeed. However, there are still areas in whichservices can be improved. In order to meet the needs of growth in tourism andforeign investment and talent, the NIA needs the proper facilities, equipmentand man power to reach their own goals.

Another unsung hero of Taiwan’s success is theCivil Aeronautics Administration MOTC (CAA). Under the experienced eye ofDirector General Jean Shen, the overwhelming workload of an ever-changing andcomplex industry is difficult on a good day and utterly nerve racking on thoseinevitable bad days. The CAA makes it possible for tourist and foreigninvestors to arrive here by air. Without the CAA, Taiwan might only be anisland in the middle of nowhere that no one can get to.

Providing a Balanced Education

·Education and training is easily the most important investmentin the successful future for southern Taiwan.Business, Government and Academia need to clearly assess the future needs oftomorrow’s workforce. A large portion of corporate, government and academicshared responsibility should be devoted to achieving the following goals:

·1. Clearly understanding the needs of industry and commerce;corporate Taiwan needs to communicate clearly those needs and make sure thatall the building blocks are in place to meet those needs when new members enterthe workforce (Make Sure Government andAcademia know what is needed);

·2. Knowing how the role of government will need to adapt and beingable to meet future growth demands with a well-prepared staff and officials whocan execute support programs so that both industry or commerce and academia arenot hindered by outdated regulations or political bickering (Ensure continuing Outreach with Educatorsand Businesses so that the government can provide well-placed and timelysupport);

·3. Preparing curriculum that most closely reflects what will berequired by the future workforce (Educatorsmust provide the best environment possible where student talents andcapabilities can be identified and nurtured).

·Investment of time and resources in school systems and businesspartnerships would give businesses more say in how the future workforce isdeveloped, give students a better chance of obtaining a job that fits theirskill set, and give schools an understanding of area business human resourceneeds.

·Continue work at creating better communication with foreigneducators whose native languages are being studied by tomorrow’s workforce.Continue working with local schools and foreign teachers in order to moreclearly understand what is best for students, and how to allow for more nativeEnglish speakers to teach classes in all subjects to broaden the mindset ofstudents and best prepare them for the future. Get foreign educators moreinvolved in the development of new programs.

·Expand courses targeted at fostering the tourist industry: hoteland hospitality management, international cuisine, tour management, eventmanagement for concerts, and restaurant management.

·Project based learning and more comprehensive assessmentsofstudents should be employed. It is the development of persistence,attentiveness, and working with others that create a productive workforce whencombined with cognitive skills.

·It is essential to encourage and support international schools if we want to have truly internationalcities. Private schools must continue their outstanding efforts to reach out toassist the community and the community needs to embrace private schools thatare dedicated to being a positive partner in raising the children of southernTaiwan. Public and private schools have many programs, resources, staff, andideas that can be shared and indoing so, will benefit all students. Working together for quality education forall students should be the call for all educators and governmental officials.High quality private schools help greatly to attract foreign companies andskilled talent, in addition to providing a jumping off point for Taiwanstudents seeking to continue their education abroad.

Energy and the Environment

·Renewable and sustainable energy will continue to dominate thedomestic and global economy for decades to come. Taiwan must continue to seizethis opportunity to be a world leader inclean energy so that it can exchange ideas and technologies with its friends,develop innovative solutions and export a better future to its neighbors.Southern Taiwan has ideal conditions for the development of many clean energytechnologies, demo projects, and systems integration. As such, it should striveto research, invest, develop and market energy innovations that include notonly new technologies, but also new ways to use existing tech in new andinnovative ways.

·Nuclear energy has remained controversial since the earthquake andtsunami that affected Fukashima, Japan three years ago. Taiwan needs to look atall available options. Whether it intends to rely on nuclear in the future ornot, a rapid shift in energy strategies would be extremely difficult at bestand economically catastrophic at worst. Taiwan’s future energy portfolio needsto be both broad in scope and well understood by the cross-section of itssociety. This includes cutting edgenuclear technologies and alternatives. Taiwan relies so heavily on nuclearenergy, so it must proceed with caution of course, but also with an open mindfor new scientific advances and hi-tech progress in nuclear and geothermal,carbon capture and sequestration, short and medium term benefits that can comefrom natural gas, developments and trends in both solar and wind, as well as workin tidal power. New data and computer models that can factor in the events fromFukashima can be helpful in creating new designs and systems. Energy safety andsecurity are paramount, with cost also being an important factor. Taiwan canlook at this challenge as a new opportunity. Work to become the model forclean, safe, reliable energy as an innovator and then market the technology.New possibilities using well-established energy technologies in new ways, andthe novel integration of various different forms of energy production mightprovide new potential and possibilities where none existed just a few yearsago.

·Balance clean energy development with tourism opportunities. Thetwo industries should be in constant communicationto ensure that negative environmental impact is minimized as growth intourism increases. If done at its best, these industries can help each other.Eco-energy tourism; where persons from around the world come to see how newways of integrating the variety of energy production and conservationtechnologies come together to create real energy solutions and life styles thathave a positive impact on the environment and economy.

Tourism

·Develop high qualitytourism experiences, especially as the market is flooded with tourist groups frommainland China now. Look for ways to provide a value-added experience that willattract greater revenue to the island.

·As examples of tourism related news in recent months, in a HiltonWorldwide survey, Singaporeans votedTaiwan as “Favorite Culinary Destination” with over 2,700 leisure travelersfrom Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singaporeand Thailand surveyed. Hotels.com revealedon November 19^th, 2013 that Taiwan is the destination offering thegreatest value for bargain hunters for Christmas, as it topped the list ofdestinations where consumers can get the best value for money for their gifts.China is the top source of visitors to Taiwan, data released by Taiwan’sMinistry of the Interior showed. Taiwan posted a record 8,016,280 arrivals ofnon-residents last year, and 50.62 percent of the visits were made by Chineseresidents, including those from Hong Kong and Macau, according to the ministry.Chinese visitors also posted the biggest increase in 2013, up 12.7 percent fromthe previous year, the ministry said.

·Taiwan needs to find ways to build onthe good start in its young tourist industry by catering and attractinghigh-quality tourists and highlighting Taiwan as one of the best values invacation destinations.

·Taiwan needs to continue developing a tourism workforcewho can earn sustainable wages and enjoy amanageable work schedule. Tourism students should be utilized to conduct surveys at transportation hubs to gainmore insight for the industry.

·Tourism is not only about the “tourist”. During the 2013 AsiaPacific City Summit (APCS), held in Kaohsiung, the feedback provided a mostinteresting set of trends. In general, all those foreigners who attended thesummit were impressed with the City and its growth in environmentalresponsibility. Kudos to Kaohsiung. However, and perhaps more interesting wasthe feedback regarding those who volunteered for the event. Taiwan studentsfrom around the island trained and prepared for this important event. And, theycould not have been any better Ambassadors for Taiwan. Every single foreignerwho attended the summit and was surveyed by this author, and there werehundreds, said without exception that the volunteers were all well-informed,polite, quite helpful, surprisingly capable at understanding any problem anddealing with it quickly and decisively, and always in the best positive frameof mind. Happy, helpful and heartwarming. There could be no betterspokespersons for Taiwan, and there are numerous lessons to be learned fromthis event.

Business Development

·With the 2014 International Boat Show taking place in May 2014, wemust hope that preparations have been completed and comprehensive; and we mustidentify all the good and the bad things that occur during the exhibition, andlearn how not to repeat mistakes while expanding the things that went well.Fortunately, the Boat Show will be preceded by a slightly lower keyInternational Fastener Show that will take place at the time this paper becomespublicly available, and should offer good experience that can be used at theBoat Show.

·We live in an online andmobile world. We need to not only continue to perfect our onlineinformation and presentation, but also make it mobile. Laptops, Ultrabooks,tablets and smartphones are everywhere and being used by more and more peopleeach year. Tap into this potential market in the most efficient way possible;online and mobile apps for Android,iOS and Windows systems will ensure maximum accessibility. There areover 7 billion people in the world, 2.75 billion using the internet (up over600 million from last year). Global smartphone users just passed 1 billion lastyear, but are expected to reach 1.75 billion by the end of 2014, with over 5billion mobile phone users expected by 2017 according to eMarketer.com. Accordingto statisticbrain.com, there are over 1.3 billion active monthly users; What’sApp has 465 million monthly active users and 330 million daily users; Lineclaims to have over 300 million users; Instagram boasts over 150 millionpersons active each month, 16 billion photos shared and 55 million photosposted each day; and Skype claiming 300 million users. Clearly, if you want toreach the largest audience, online and mobile applications offer the best way.

The Big Picture

·SouthernTaiwan must continue its efforts to firmly establish and maintain six (6) keyadvantages for attracting foreign investment:

1. Excellent geographical position andlogistics;

2.Outstandingsea and airports with a natural advantage of good year-round weather;

3. All-inclusive industry clusters;

4. Abundant manpower supply;

5. An extensive industry transportationnetwork;

Comprehensive necessities for foreign businessmenincluding excellent accommodations, restaurants, mass transit, andentertainment.