The Chamber
French Chamber visits the Minister of Economic Affairs
Today in Taipei, the Board of Directors of the French Chamber Taiwan organized a delegation to meet with Minister of Economic Affairs Ming-Hsin Kung.
The goal was simple – Maintain a direct dialogue between the Taiwanese government and the French business community operating in Taiwan.
French companies have been active partners in Taiwan for decades. They invest, create jobs, finance infrastructure, support the energy transition and contribute to the island’s economic development. The Chamber’s role is to keep that conversation open and constructive whenever our members need a bridge with public authorities.
Several topics shaping the current business environment were discussed during the meeting.
The delegation exchanged views with the Minister on recent trends in foreign direct investment, including the decline recorded in January and expectations for the coming months. We also discussed Taiwan’s outward investment flows and broader regional dynamics. Another point raised concerned the Cosmetic Product Information File framework, introduced in Taiwan in 2025. While companies support strong consumer safety standards, European brands already comply with strict EU regulations. The discussion explored whether mechanisms such as recognition of EU compliance or certificates of free sale could help avoid duplicative requirements while maintaining high safety standards.
We also shared observations about the two-speed nature of Taiwan’s economy. AI and semiconductor industries are experiencing remarkable growth, while other sectors such as traditional manufacturing and retail show more modest performance and weaker consumer confidence. The conversation explored how domestic demand could be strengthened. Practical issues faced by foreign entrepreneurs were also addressed, including bank account opening requirements and administrative procedures for company incorporation, which can sometimes create sequencing challenges for international investors. Industrial infrastructure was another important topic.
The delegation highlighted regional variations and resource constraints in obtaining Class C Operation Permits for gas infrastructure. To avoid potential supply chain delays, we raised the possibility of a unified “Green Channel” mechanism, allowing safety certifications to be processed in parallel with construction rather than only after facilities are completed. We also discussed the future development of Kaohsiung Harbor as a major logistics and shipping hub in Asia, and the important role international operators and global shipping companies can play in strengthening Taiwan’s connectivity and supply chain resilience.
Energy transition and sustainability were also part of the exchange. French companies and financial institutions are actively supporting Taiwan’s renewable energy development and offshore wind projects, contributing to the island’s long-term green transformation. In his introduction, Antoine Aubel highlighted the Team France approach, emphasizing the alignment between French public institutions and the private sector in supporting economic cooperation. He also conveyed that we look forward to welcoming Minister Kung and his delegation in Paris later this month for the upcoming economic dialogue at Bercy.
The delegation included representatives from several leading French companies and institutions:
- Antoine Aubel, Head of the Economic Department, French Office in Taipei
- Terence Ong, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Taiwan, Executive Vice-Chairman of the French Chamber Taiwan
- Pascal Thien-Ah-Koon, Attorney at Law, Ecovis Taiwan, Treasurer of the French Chamber Taiwan
- Laurent Potin, CEO Taiwan, Crédit Agricole CIB, Board Director of the French Chamber Taiwan
- Eric Sicher, Head of Procurement, Air Liquide Far Eastern Ltd.
- Carrie Lee, Director of Communication and Govt. Affairs, Veolia Taiwan, Board Director of the French Chamber Taiwan
- John Lim, Managing Director, CMA CGM Taiwan, Alternate Director of the French Chamber Taiwan
- Rémi Mathieu, Asia Manager, Collines de Provence, Board Director of the French Chamber Taiwan
- Stéphane Peden, General Manager, French Chamber Taiwan
- Tammy Chu, PR & Communication Manager, French Chamber Taiwan
At the French Chamber Taiwan, facilitating this kind of dialogue is part of our mission.
Connecting companies and government. Sharing practical feedback from the field. Helping French businesses continue contributing to Taiwan’s economic development.
Whenever our members need a bridge with the authorities, the Chamber is here to help build it!
#FrenchChamberTaiwan #FranceTaiwan #TeamFrance #EconomicDialogue #TaiwanEconomy #Investment #EnergyTransition
