Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce to Host Major Expo, Address Labor Shortages

Taiwan's General Chamber of Commerce (商總) is set to host a major "Taiwan Service Industry International Expo" by the end of the year, aiming to attract international buyers and foster trade diplomacy. The event, featuring thousands of booths, is part of the chamber's initiatives as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

商總 is also actively engaging with government bodies to enhance the "industry must belong to association" system, focusing on practical implementation and seeking to strengthen the role of commercial associations through source management. This push for institutional improvement underscores the chamber's commitment to a more robust and functional business environment.

A significant concern highlighted at the chamber's recent general meeting was the growing labor shortage, exacerbated by Taiwan's super-aged society, low birth rate, and aging population. Industries such as catering, hospitality, logistics, retail, transportation, and care services are facing critical staffing pressures. 商總 is calling for a multi-pronged government strategy to address this challenge, encompassing measures to encourage childbirth, improve childcare facilities, promote re-employment of the middle-aged and elderly, relax migrant worker policies, and attract mid-level technical and international talent.

In a move to strengthen global ties, 商總 signed a memorandum of understanding with the president of the Japanese Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Lai Benmian. Further MOUs are planned with Taiwanese business associations across Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and Europe to build a collaborative platform for Taiwanese businesses worldwide. The expo is envisioned as a comprehensive international event, combining business exhibitions, industry matchmaking, international exchange, and trade diplomacy.