NDC Minister Chen Mei-ling (second right) is joined by Ian Steff (second left), assistant secretary for global markets and director general of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and AIT Director Brent Christensen at the Taiwan-U.S. Digital Economy Forum Dec. 10 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of NDC)
 

Taiwan and the U.S. staged the third Digital Economy Forum Dec. 10-11 in Taipei City, bringing together academics, business representatives and officials to examine new ways of utilizing information and communication technology in promoting sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.
 
The two-day event featured high-profile attendees like Chen Mei-ling, minister of the Cabinet-level National Development Council; Ian Steff, assistant secretary for global markets and director general of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration; and American institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen.
 
Chen said cross-border collaboration is key to safeguarding fifth-generation networks, maximizing benefits of advanced technology like artificial intelligence and internet of things, enhancing effective data governance and ensuring a free and open cyber space.
 
Progress made at previous forums in core areas such as online trade, as well as investment and smart technology, serves as the basis for greater Taiwan-U.S. cooperation, Chen said. This is further evidenced by the support for Taiwan shown by the U.S. when the country joined the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Cross-Border Privacy Rules System (CBPR) in 2018, she added.
 
APEC’s CBPR is a government-backed data privacy certification companies can join to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized protections. It benefits consumers and business by ensuring regulatory differences do not hinder the ability of businesses to deliver innovative products and services.
 
Echoing Chen’s remarks, Steff said Taiwan’s successful experiences in working with the U.S. serves as a model for the international community.
 
According to Christensen, the forum is an important platform for expanding Taiwan-U.S. exchanges, and more digital economy-related workshops will be staged next year under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. (YCH-E)