CNFI to host economic forum with presidential hopefuls

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) has announced it will host the "2023 Taiwan Economic Development Forum — Dialogue with Future National Leaders" on Nov. 27, 29-30.

The forum will offer the business community an opportunity to understand the economic plans and visions of various candidates and for the candidates to grasp the considerations and demands of the industrial and commercial sectors.

The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (KMT), along with their respective running mates, have registered for next year's presidential election, joined by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, setting the stage for a three-way electoral contest.

The forum aims to address issues critical to Taiwan's future economic development, including industrial development, energy, environmental protection, labor force, taxation, international trade, cross-strait economic relations, long-term care, and social insurance.

Surveys conducted within the business community reveal that labor issues are the most concerning matters, followed by cross-strait relations, energy policies, international trade, carbon reduction policies, and improving the investment environment.

The forum is set to feature five key topics for the candidates' responses: Taiwan's industrial development strategy, energy and carbon reduction, cross-strait relations, international trade, and human resources.

The events will be presided over by CNFI Chairman Matthew F.C. Miau, Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC) Chairman Thomas Wu, and General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China (ROCCOC) Chairman Paul Hsu.

Hou, Ko, and Lai are scheduled to present their policies and participate in discussions on different days.

This significant forum will take place at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), illustrating its importance as a platform for robust economic discourse in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election.