Francis Liang Replaces C.K. Wang as TAITRA Head

Francis Liang, former deputy economics minister, has been appointed to replace C.K. Wang as head of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Wang led TAITRA for six years.

Upon assuming his new position, Liang set three directions for TAITRA to follow: continued development of the huge market in mainland China; active penetration of emerging markets such as India, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and the Philippines; and maintenance of strength in Taiwan's traditional top-three markets—the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

“Exports are the major pillar of Taiwan's economy, and we should use new thinking and new methods to keep pace with times,” Liang said. “Where there is a market, there is TAITRA. TAITRA always plays a pioneering role in helping Taiwan's manufacturers find market niches.”

Liang praised his predecessor C.K. Wang for enhancing the image of Taiwanese products and helping the island's companies gain more exposure on the international stage. Under Wang's administration, Liang noted, TAITRA held 32 trade promotion events in China, attracting nearly nine million visitors and generating over US$13 billion in business. TAITRA also added 12 overseas offices and in 2012 won a record eight “Best Practice” certificates from the World Trade Center Association (WTCA), which has 330 “World Trade Center” members globally.

Liang promised to follow in Wang's footsteps while adding new approaches as he leads TAITRA in creating new trade opportunities and playing a more active and important role in the world arena. (JL)