Photo: Theerasak Sakskritawee Theerasak Photo: info

Forbes ranks President Tsai 15th in most powerful women list

President Tsai Ing-wen ranked 15th on The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2017 list released Nov. 1 by Forbes magazine.

Named among the top 20 for the sec- sentative for Foreign Affairs and Security ond consecutive year, Tsai moved up two Policy Federica Mogherini in fifth. Other spots from the 2016 edition. Leading the prominent figures on the list included rankings was German Chancellor Ange- Queen Elizabeth II in eighth, Myanmar la Merkel, followed by U.K. Prime Minis- State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in ter Theresa May, Bill and Melinda Gates 11th and former U.S. presidential candi- Foundation Co-Chair Melinda Gates, date Hillary Clinton in 20th. Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl According to the New York-based publi- Sandberg and General Motors Chairper- cation, Tsai – Taiwan’s first female leader son and CEO Mary Barra, in that order. – shattered precedent in December last Based on the 2017 list, Forbes also com- year by engaging in a telephone conversa- piled a ranking of the world’s most power- tion with then-U.S. President-elect Don- ful women politicians, with Tsai in third ald Trump, the first between the leaders behind the German and British leaders of Taiwan and the U.S. since 1979. During and ahead of Chilean President Michelle the call, they shared their views on signif- Bachelet in fourth and EU High Repre- icant issues including the need to boost Forbes also highlighted Tsai’s five-plus- two innovative industries initiative, a comprehensive economic revitalization program targeting the five emerging and high-growth sectors of biotech and pharmaceuticals, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as the promotion of two core concepts: the circular economy Source: Taiwan Today and a new paradigm for agricultural de- velopment. According to the magazine, the initiative seems to be paying off, with cross-strait trade up as of July this year.

President Tsai Ing-wen ranks 15th among the 100 most powerful The latest statistics from the Bureau of women in the world in the latest rankings released Nov by U.S.- Foreign Trade under the Ministry of based Forbes magazine (Courtesy of the office of the President) Economic Affairs show that Taiwan’s economic development and strengthen total trade for the first eight months of national defense so citizens can enjoy 2017 increased 13.1 percent year on year better lives and increased security. to US$371.24 billion.

, EPA chief reaffirms Taiwans renew- ables commitment in interview with Deutsche Welle

Taiwan is committed to complying with cent to 50 percent, respectively, in the same the goals of the Paris Agreement under the period. Lee said these restructuring efforts Source: Taiwan Today U.N. Framework Convention on Climate are expected to lower the nation’s carbon Change through reducing fossil fuel use emissions from energy generation by some and fostering renewable energy generation, 40 percent while eliminating nuclear power. The government is also working to reduce Environmental Protection Administration greenhouse gases from the industrial sector Minister Lee Ying-yuan said Nov. 13 in a TV through the introduction of a cap-and-trade interview with Germany’s Deutsche Welle. system by 2020, he added. Though the country is not a signatory In preparation for establishment of this to the accord, Taiwan is playing its part in system, the government has begun issuing global efforts to tackle climate change by certificates to companies that have installed transforming the nation’s power generation renewable power generation technologies. structure within the next decade, Lee said. Participating firms are awarded one certifi- According to the minister, the government cate for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours of green aims to reduce the proportion of energy energy produced, with a total 2,544 issued as produced using coal from 45.5 percent to 30 of June, according to the National Renew- percent by 2025. Power from renewables and able Energy Certification Center under the natural gas will be increased from about 5 Ministry of Economic Affairs. percent to 20 percent, and around 20 per- Lee said new carbon reduction measures EPA Minister Lee Ying-yuan addresses Taiwan’s commitment to renewable energy during a Nov. 13 interview with Germany-based international news network Deutsche Welle. (Courtesy of EPA) will be introduced in consultation with in- to boost energy efficiency on the demand dustries so as to support economic growth side through the introduction of smart grid and sustainable development. The govern- technology. ment will also tailor renewable energy pro- The approximately five-minute interview grams to local needs and strengths, he said, was broadcast in English on DW, a Bonn- citing related measures in central Taiwan to based international news network. It fol- harness abundant wind power resources. lowed a brief report on the structure of Regional specialization of renewable proj- Taiwan’s energy sector, the challenges the ects will upgrade power transmission, the nation faces due to climate change and its minister said, adding that Taiwan also plans efforts to embrace renewables.

New Cultural Heights Chiayi in southern Taiwan is fostering sustainable tourism develop- ment by highlighting its diverse historical assets and unique intan- gible heritage.

Located in Chiayi ’s ing the arts and tourism environments City, the Southern Branch of the Na- of Chiayi, while expanding awareness tional Palace Museum (NPM) is the of the region’s historic sites and intan- most significant recent addition to gible heritage. “Our aim is to promote Taiwan’s cultural landscape. Opening the museum’s priceless treasures and its doors in December 2015 following local culture on the world stage,” said over a decade of planning and con- Lu Ching-rong , chief curator of NPM’s struction, the institution had received Department of Southern Branch. more than 2.2 million visitors by the Founded in 1965, NPM manages a end of August. This influx is invigorat- collection of almost 700,000 antiqui- ties ranging from calligraphy, embroi- ures, the Southern Branch was built to dery, jade and lacquer pieces to books, showcase artifacts from diverse Asian bronzes, ceram- civilizations. Source: Taiwan Review ics and paintings. Of the Taibao fa- These items span cility’s five perma- some 7,000 years nent exhibitions, from the Neolith- four explore cul- ic to modern era. tural evolution While the muse- across the conti- um’s headquar- nent. These com- ters in Taipei City prise a multimedia focuses on dis- introduction to Exhibitions such as The Far-Reaching Fragrance of Tea at the Southern Branch playing Chinese utilize the latest multimedia effects to create more authentic viewing atmospheres. Asian art as well cultural treas- (Photo by Jimmy Lin) as collections of

Rainbow Military Dependents’ Village in Taichung City, central Taiwan, is one of two local weird and wonderful sights featured in guidebook “Secret Mar- vels of the World” by Lonely Planet. (Courtesy of TCG) artifacts on the art and culture of tea, animated films, antique maps, artifacts Buddhist art and textiles. In contrast to and historical documents. these macro-level examinations of Asian cultural development, the fifth perma- World-Class Resources nent exhibition zeroes in on the history Prior to the museum’s launch, Chiayi of Chiayi. Assembled using a multimedia City and County, which are admin- approach, it spotlights the region’s arts, istered separately, were best known culture and religious customs through to local and international visitors as Source : Taiwan Today - - ment. (Photo courtesy of Chiayi City Government) of Chiayi ment. courtesy (Photo ons and phoenixes. To capitalize on on capitalize To ons and phoenixes. the in the region, interest the growing last year Bureau and Tourism Culture called website established a dedicated detailing the county’s Chiayi Explore in English, assets. Available cultural the Chinese, and traditional Japanese studios, his- lists arts and crafts site - mu and monuments, buildings toric events spots, a monthly seums, scenic as itineraries recommended calendar, and dining as accommodation, well information. transportation stop on their Chiayi itinerary, the ad- the itinerary, on their Chiayi stop dition of the Southern Branch is ex en- comprehensive more couraging The recent of the region. plorations is benefiting attractions boost tourism - Muse Cultural Embroidery like a studio dedi- as Bantaoyao, um as well ceramic traditional promoting to cated at increasing Also garnering crafts. of worship places historic are tention the 1739, in Built Temple. Shuixian like with decorated is monument national - intri and ornaments pottery exquisite - flow of birds, sculptures wooden cate - drag like creatures mythical and ers - and work restaurants as cafes, reborn buildings are wooden Traditional - City Govern by Chiayi administered program under a repurposing shops train lines. (Photo courtesy of Government) courtesy (Photo lines. train mer Ghost Festival. (Photo courtesy of Chiayi County Government) courtesy (Photo Festival. Ghost mer Whereas once tourists typically made made typically tourists once Whereas Dashiye Cultural Festival is a major religious ritual held in Chiayi County’s in Chiayi County’s ritual held religious is a major Festival Cultural Dashiye - Mid-Sum during the and prosperity peace for to pray Township Minxiong Alishan National Scenic Area the sole narrow-gauge railway in Asia. It winds in Asia. It winds railway narrow-gauge from 30 meters to 2,451 meters above temperate tropical, through sea level and alpine vegetation. gateways to the famed scenic area atop atop area the famed scenic to gateways one of region, Alishan. The mountain destinations, tourist foremost Taiwan’s for its stunning views, is celebrated line. and unique rail forests towering transport to constructed The latter, lumber in 1912 during lonial Japanese rule (1895-1945), - co is the highest Alishan Forest Railway, constructed to transport lumber in 1912 during the during the lumber in 1912 to transport constructed Railway, Alishan Forest narrow-gauge great world’s of the is one (1895-1945), era colonial Japanese Architectural Identity toys. “These homes exude a relaxing Among the unique facets of Chiayi ambience owing to their excellent ven- City’s architectural identity is the large tilation and pleasant natural aromas,” number of traditional Japanese-style the 45-year-old said. Inspired by the wooden houses. Kao Chi-jung) is a success of Kao’s store and other simi- leading advocate for the preservation lar efforts, the city government in 2014 and adaptive reuse of these structures. launched subsidy and public-private The Chiayi native helped establish a partnership schemes to foster the res- template for such efforts when he spent toration of the wooden buildings. To more than NT$600,000 (US$20,000) date, more than 30 have been reno- restoring a house and turning it into a vated and repurposed as cafes, restau- store selling souvenirs and traditional rants, souvenir shops and workshops.

Taiwan welcomes regional FTA developments

The Republic of China (Taiwan) welcomed the Nov. 11 announcement by 11 Asia-Pacific economies that plans for a regional free trade agree- ment will move forward following the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership in January this year, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

During a press conference held the same day tion for mutual benefits, he added. on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Toward this goal, the government has imple- Source: Taiwan Today Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in mented a raft of adjustments to the country’s Danang, Vietnam, economic and trade minis- trade and economic policies. These include ters from Japan and the host country said the amendments under legislative review to laws other former parties to the TPP had reached a and regulations governing copyrights, pat- consensus on most of the terms of a multilat- ents, trademarks and pharmaceutical affairs, eral trade accord. according to the ministry. The countries, which also comprise Austra- On the global front, no effort is being lia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, spared in canvassing support for Taiwan’s New Zealand, Peru and Singapore, have also participation through the activities of agreed to name the trade pact the Compre- such major international organizations as hensive and Progressive Agreement for TPP. APEC and the World Trade Organization, During his remarks at the APEC Ministe- the MOEA added. rial Meeting Nov. 8, MOEA Minister Shen The 11 CPTPP member states accounted Jong-chin expressed the government’s wish to for 25.25 percent of Taiwan’s foreign trade in participate in regional economic integration 2016 and 13.6 percent of global gross domes- through bilateral agreements and multilateral tic product, or US$10 trillion in dollar terms, frameworks. The country remains committed according to the MOEA. The ministry said it to working with its major partners to expand will work to implement related measures in foreign trade and maximize trade liberaliza- response to the latest developments. A Utopia for Bibliophiles Reading in Old Houses

Article Mu Hua Photos Shi Chuntai

Houses grow old, books wear out, and only readers’ souls stay young and fresh. When interesting books meet storied old houses, the result is often a duet of essence and experience. Then, the physical world and the world of books are worth in-depth exploration.

VVG Chapter – A Secret Space in the Big City with an interior that mixes both Japanese Source: VVG Chapter is a secret alcove in the crowd- and western styles. Decorated with assorted ed city. With doors closed, fences and trees memorabilia from Japan, France and Taiwan, blocking prying eyes, this reading room in it’s the perfect blend of styles. According to the a renovated Japanese-style dorm is hidden manager, Yang Shu-yu , VVG Chapter stocks away from the busy neighborhood around over 4,000 titles, mainly design, art, architec- MRT Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station. ture, and cook books. There’s also a space for The verdant VVG Chapter is actually a li- thematic displays fostering a “Conversation brary, and anyone over 15 years old can make Between Taiwanese and Japanese Artists.” a reservation to get in. From the 1920s to the New exhibits are presented on a bimonthly 1940s, this building was a residence for gov- basis, and each time one opens, one Taiwan- ernment officials during the Japanese era. It ese and one Japanese artist will be invited to is an elegant and classic wooden structure have a stimulating conversation. cherished essence of the Twenties: the many cultures and intellectual movements that co- existed and sparked each other. Bookstore 1920s hopes that their selection of books will help readers break the boundaries of time and space, shine some light on those glorious days, and bring some of that spirit back to to- day’s world. Bookstore 1920s attracts different kinds of customers. Japanese tourists search for maps and photography books. We talked with a With the aroma of cypress in the air, VVG Japanese woman, married to a Taiwanese, Chapter is warm, bright and tranquil. You who came looking for reference material for can read books, look at exhibits, have tea her thesis. Others, like visitors from Hong and snacks, or just sit quietly and watch the Kong and Mainland China are more inter- changing light and shadows. Enjoy one of ested in history books with a different per- life’s sweet moments at VVG Chapter! spective; while Taiwanese customers tend to prefer titles dealing with local culture and Bookstore 1920s – Return to the Good Old Days history. Sometimes, you might bump into a At the most crowded corner on Dihua Street , the delightful little Bookstore 1920s sits qui- etly awaiting browsers. This iconic building in the Dadaocheng neighborhood was once the very first western pharmacy in Taiwan: Watson’s. That building was destroyed by fire in 1998, but the original owner’s descendants have rebuilt it and shown the world its beau- ty again. In the store, you can still see two dark old medicine cabinets – now displaying books yet somehow still whispering of the legacy and history of days past. neighborhood elder talking about the “good old days” – don’t pass up a chance to chat as they represent genuine living history! The customers of the bookstore reflect Dadaoc- heng’s past and present.

Walkingbook – A Hundred Ways of Reading If Bookstore 1920s is like an open door then Walkingbook, tucked quietly 200 meters away on Yanping North Road is a sanctuary where people can linger and browse. Many people think of Walkingbook as just a restaurant, but what they don’t realize is that the bookstore Bookstore 1920s considers itself as the “orig- on the third floor is the real spiritual heart of inator of time-space conversion,” stocking the place. The name, Walkingbook, comes books of and about the 1920s exclusively. from a Chinese idiom: “The world is a book, The store’s collection preserves the most and those who do not travel read only one ingbook cares about the values of self-deter- page.” This building used to be part of Daan mination and freedom. Hospital, founded by Chiang Wei- Shui , the The interior design at Walkingbook is as father of the Taiwan New Culture Movement. marvelous as the selection of books. Open It also served as the main office of Taiwan the door and you enter a world of amazing MinPao , the only organ of free speech in the designs in honor of Chiang Wei-Shui on the Japanese era, and thus it witnessed much of first and second floors. Going up to the third the important political floor, you will discov- and cultural progress er a serene and refined of modern Taiwanese space, which practical- history. Visitors need ly compels you to find to pay to enter Walk- your most comfort- ingbook – NT$300 for able position (stand- eight hours or NT$200 ing, sitting, leaning or for four hours. The lying down) to explore stock here is comprised the “100 ways of read- of three main catego- ing.” Let your mind ries: books on Taiwan and body center and independence, graphic clear – then you will design magazines, and literary and art books. enter the magic kingdom of the book you The volumes on Taiwanese independence are about to read. This is an experience you top all the others, showing how much Walk- won’t find elsewhere!

Should you have any question, please contact us at [email protected] TAIPEI REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE, HUNGARY 1088 Budapest, Rákóczi Rd. 1-3./II. tro.hu, roc-taiwan.org/hu_hu