APEC Automotive Dialogue debuts in Taipei

An Asia-Pacific dialogue about the automobile industry took place on Wednesday (Dec. 4) in Taipei, with over 100 officials and business representatives from across the region taking part in the two-day forum.

Taiwan hosts the APEC Automotive Dialogue for the first time, an annual forum for APEC member economy officials and senior industry representatives to work together and figure out strategies. The Dialogue's goal is to increase integration and develop Asia's automotive sector.

It is expected to focus on the latest developments in the automotive industry among APEC member economies this year. Participants will also discuss policies and standards that apply to the car manufacturing sector.

With both the private and public sectors putting more emphasis on autonomous vehicles in recent years, APEC has been seeking to establish principles that will facilitate the development of self-driving technologies, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) in a statement. At the same time, road safety and economic growth must be guaranteed, it said.

The forum includes officials and business representatives from more than 10 countries, including the U.S., Japan, Canada, Thailand, Philippines, and Mexico, according to MOEA. Participants will also visit the Taiwan CAR Lab, a 1.75-hectare test facility for autonomous vehicles in Tainan.