According to the results of the 2011 Business Climate Survey announced on January 6 by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (AmCham), a high 81% of its members are either “optimistic” or “slightly optimistic” about the business outlook for the next five years and 88.8% feel that the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between Taiwan and China will be good for the island.

AmCham  Chairman  Bill  Wiseman  noted  that ECFA returns Taiwan to the world map and allows foreign businesses to use the island as a hub for entry into China. The survey showed clearly, he said, that foreign companies have a positive view of Taiwan’s development following the implementation of ECFA, believing that while last year was good, this year will be even better.

Of the companies surveyed, 57% of the respondents “foresee a favorable impact” of ECFA on their businesses.

According to the survey, the respondents are most satisfied with Taiwan’s “safe environment,” “friendly people,” and “quality medical and dental care.” They also feel, however, that Taiwan still needs to improve the quality of its drinking water.

The survey results noted the high level of education, loyalty,  and  ease  of  training  and  development  of Taiwan’s human capital, but also indicated that foreign businesses are troubled by a lack of sufficient initiative and creativity, and of world-class standards, among the work force.

Chairman  Wiseman  stated  that,  for  example, Taiwanese employees are hardworking and dedicated to performing the tasks assigned to them, but that when faced with difficulties they are lacking in problem-solving ability and creativity.

This was AmCham’s first Business Climate Survey since 2002. Online questionnaires were sent to 351 AmCham members and 117 questionnaires, or 33%, were filled out and returned.