TNAG-0230-FCO40-266-Conditions-of-employment-of-labour-force-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 71

TAIWAN

(Rate of Exchange-96 New Taiwan Dollars to the £1)

2.40 U.S. Dollars to the £1

Following the visit to Hong Kong the delegation flew to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.

The Island of Taiwan is controlled by the Nationalist Chinese Government under President Chiang Kai-Shek. The population of Taiwan is about 4 million people and in Taipei the population is about 2 millions.

During our time in Taiwan we were confronted by the paradox in that censorship and free movement appeared to be restricted yet the natives of Taiwan appeared, in general, to accept this and we found them to be extremely happy and friendly.

The Knitting Industry in Taiwan is divided into four classes:

1. Outerwear

2. Underwear

3. Socks and Hose

4. Stretch Yarn

The four Associations each have about 50 members participating in the work of their particular association. The Government controls the industry by licence under which machines may be imported into the country.

In 1968 there was a 30% increase over 1967 for knitted goods and the average wage for a knitter is 30/40 U.S.A. dollars per month-this includes Board. Women would average 24/33 U.S.A. dollars per month.

At the present moment Taiwan is in discussion and negotiation with the U.S.A. to try and enter a voluntary agreement in respect of Textile and garment imports into the States. The industry is very much export-minded and only a very small percentage of the production goes to the home market. At the present moment there are very little sophisticated statistics available for Taiwan but it is anticipated that the Government will introduce an appropriate statistical department in the near future.

The Taiwan Government has a positive attitude towards the Textile industry and after meeting their domestic requirements, they started to export garments and textiles in 1957 and by 1967 they were exporting to the extent of 120m American dollars per year, this being the biggest exporting industry in the country, and, therefore, in the eyes of the Taiwan Government, it was most important to consolidate and improve this industry. We were told during our visit that the garment and knitting industry anticipated an annual increase in exports at the rate of 20% per year and we understand that any manufacturer expects to repay his capital investment in a knitwear plant in Taiwan in 2 years at the outside.

In the field of man-made fibres there are seven large factories and their exporting performance is increasing each year. They are exporting yarn to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, U.S.A. and Canada.

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