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Slow but steady: Taiwan gets going on plans to become a regional hub

Article Abstract:

Vice-President and Premier Lien Chan in Taiwan have ordered that reforms of the closed shop practices and hereditary membership rules of the longshoremen's union in Kaohsiung must be finalised by December. It is uncertain how the Kaohsiung Harbour Bureau will pension off excess dock workers, but the central government is serious about Taiwan becoming an Asia-pacific Regional Operations Centre (Aproc). Many deregulation laws have been hampered due to disputes among political parties, but 60% of the laws proposed have been passed, and a notable achievement was the opening of the telecoms industry to private participation.

Water Transportation, Economic policy, Deregulation, Shipping industry

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Still hardy

Article Abstract:

Taiwan's economic indicators for 1992 showed a relatively better outlook as compared to the political problems that plagued the country. GDP increased by 6.7% in 1992, which is less than the 7% target. This was attributed to the delay in public works spending. Consumer spending increased by 9% while inflation rose to 4.5% and M2 rose by 17.4%. Unemployment decreased to 1.3%, the lowest since the 1980s. Exports increased by 7% to $81.5 billion while imports also rose by 14.5% to $72 billion with a trade surplus of $29.5 billion, down by 29%.

Finance, Statistics, Economic indicators

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Guns for butter: Russian visit spotlights scope for aid, defence ties

Article Abstract:

The visit of top Russian military officer Vladimir Sidorov to Taiwan has underscored the kind of relationship the two countries are nurturing. Russia wants economic assistance and invesment. Taiwan is eyeing Russia as a source of weapons and defense technology. However, the US and China do not favor the trade relationship. The former disapproves international arms sales in the region while the latter looks at a potential military alliance between Russian and Taiwan as a threat.

Russia, Russian foreign relations, Chinese (Taiwan) foreign relations

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