GM extends halt of Bolt production to mid-October
GM extends halt of Bolt production to mid-OctoberBloombergGeneral Motors Co (GM) said it would extend downtime at its Chevy Bolt electric-vehicle plant for another three weeks due to a battery pack shortage, as the company recalls the vehicles over fire risks. GM said it would continue to work with its supplier to “update manufacturing processes” and would evaluate additional production schedule adjustments. General Motors factory workers connect a battery pack to a partially assembled Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle in Orion, Michigan, on March 19, 2018. GM added that it is cutting production at six other North American assembly plants because of an ongoing chip shortage. The automaker told Bolt owners to limit the charge to 90 percent, plug in more frequently and avoid depleting the battery to below about 112km of remaining range.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
China applies to join Pacific trade pact
China applies to join Pacific trade pactCOMPLICATED AFFAIR: Beijing will need to negotiate with incumbent members Japan, Australia and Canada, with which it has fraught diplomatic and trade tiesBloombergBeijing has applied to join an Asia-Pacific trade pact once pushed by the US as a way to isolate China and solidify AmeriFcan dominance in the region. China is the second country to apply to join the 11-nation deal, after the UK asked to become a member earlier this year. However, the Chinese application would complicate that as Beijing opposes Taiwan joining any international organization or group. Still, China last week publicly lobbied Canberra for its support to join the deal. However, the Biden administration has not announced any concrete trade policies for the region, although there are reports it is discussing a digital trade deal covering Asia-Pacific economies.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
INTERVIEW: Creativity helps Formosa Group survive difficult times
INTERVIEW: Creativity helps Formosa Group survive difficult timesFormosa International Hotels Group is taking a hard hit this year, but it is nonetheless aiming to expand its footprint at home and abroad, unfazed by the reshaping of the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other international tourist hotels fared worse with business plunging 85 percent. Formosa International Hotels Group chairman Steve Pan speaks at an event on Feb. 24. Photo: Chang Chia-ming, Taipei TimesThe international tourist hotels have been a completely different story. In Singapore, the government provides different degrees of wage subsidies for international tourist hotels while border controls are in place.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
DPP lawmaker gets NCC approval for Matsu role
DPP lawmaker gets NCC approval for Matsu role‘APOLITICAL’: Chen Ting-fei said her engagement is not comparable to that of Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who was fined for playing a role in a TV dramaBy Wang Shu-hsiu and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writerDemocratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Ting-fei (陳亭妃) yesterday said she has obtained broadcast regulators’ approval to play the sea goddess Matsu (媽祖) in a TV drama. Chen wrote on Facebook that she and the production team of Formosa TV’s Taiwan New Mysteries had been granted approval from the National Communications Commission (NCC). Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Ting-fei is dressed as the sea goddess Matsu during the shooting of a TV drama in Tainan on Thursday. Citing the commission’s approval, Chen said that politicians are allowed to appear in a drama as long as their role is not designed to boost their political career. The Taipei District Court has upheld Lu’s fine, saying that her appearance in the show in 2019 was intended to boost her as Taichung mayor and promote the Taichung Flora Expo.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Critics call for oversight of Fed officials’ investments
Critics call for oversight of Fed officials’ investmentsBloombergUS Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s review of internal rules around investments by policymakers is a move in the right direction, but will not stem pressure for more accountability at the US central bank. “It’s about time,” Roberto Perli, a partner at Cornerstone Macro LLC, said of a Fed statement on Thursday that Powell had ordered a “fresh and comprehensive” study of the ethics rules around permissible financial holdings and activities by senior Fed officials. Photo: ReutersPowell’s move followed revelations last week over investments and trading by two of the central bank’s regional bank presidents. Both said that their transactions complied with Fed ethics rules and that they were acting to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. US Senator Elizabeth Warren said in a statement on Thursday that she had written to all 12 regional Fed bosses to urge them to adopt a self-imposed ban on the ownership and trading in individual stocks by senior Fed officials and that they act “within 60 days.”The role of the regional Fed directors was also under scrutiny.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Two local cases posted in Taipei
Two local cases posted in TaipeiMUTUAL GOODWILL: Taiwan is to donate 10,000 pulse oximeters and 1,008 oxygen concentrators to Japan, which has pledged to send Taiwan 500,000 additional vaccinesBy Lin Chia-nan / Staff reporterThe Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday reported two local and six imported cases of COVID-19, but no deaths. The two local cases reside in Taipei, a woman in her 70s and another one in her 20s, Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang (莊人祥), who is also the CECC spokesman, told a news briefing in Taipei. Chuang also shared the genome sequencing results of 11 cases that are part of the 41 imported cases reported between Friday last week and Thursday. Taiwan has recorded a total of 149 infections by the Delta variant, including 43 local cases, Chuang said. Its government pledged another donation of 500,000 vaccine doses to Taiwan earlier this week.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Argentina pinning hopes on Carreras against All Blacks
Argentina pinning hopes on Carreras against All BlacksAFP, BRISBANE, AustraliaArgentina’s Santiago Carreras today faces the daunting task of making his first Test appearance at flyhalf against the All Blacks, in a bold selection gamble forced by injuries and poor results. 10 Nicolas Sanchez to injury in last weekend’s 39-0 loss to New Zealand, but had a ready replacement in Domingo Miotti. Photo: AFPLedesma said 23-year-old Carreras, who normally plays Tests at fullback or wing, was a “natural” in the No. Hopefully, we can play some free-flowing footy.”Captain Ardie Savea said he expected a fierce physical challenge from Argentina and the All Blacks had to respond in kind. If we turn up thinking the same performance we did last week will be enough, we’re kidding ourselves,” Savea said.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
DHL to hike rates a fourth straight year
The local subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL Group, one of the world’s leading mail and logistics service groups, has increased its freight rates by 4.9 percent each year since 2018, corporate data showed. The price adjustment was proposed by the local unit, though approved by the parent company, DHL Express Taiwan said by telephone. The price rise in Taiwan matches that of DHL Express New Zealand & Pacific Islands, but lower than the 6.9 percent approved by DHL Express India next year, DHL Express’ Web site and foreign news reports showed. The price hike is to apply to all customers whose contracts allow the adjustment, it said. We will also ensure that our clients’ business can continue growing even in times of global crises,” DHL Express Taiwan managing director Yung C. Ooi (黃湧君) said in a statement.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Labor law amendments urged to boost birthrate
Labor law amendments urged to boost birthrateFEMALE WORKFORCE: Childcare leave needs to be more flexible, which would help boost the birthrate and workforce participation of married women, an advocate saidBy Chien Hui-ju and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writerDemocratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers and the Childcare Policy Alliance on Wednesday urged the government to reform labor regulations to boost the birthrate in Taiwan and keep married women in the workforce. These changes would require amendments to the Employment Insurance Act (就業保險法) and the Regulations for Implementing Unpaid Parental Leave for Raising Children (育嬰留職停薪實施辦法), Huang said. Academic studies and data from other countries show that publicly funded childcare properly integrated with parental leave is an effective policy solution, Liu said. “In Australia, childcare leave laws are written in gender-neutral language and they authorize up to 12 consecutive weeks of paid leave to the parent of any one-year-old,” Fan said. The Chinese-language United Daily News reported that the ministry said allowing workers to take childcare leave for a few hours at a time might not be practicable for all industries.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Taiwan unaffected by China’s sudden CPTPP bid: minister
Taiwan unaffected by China’s sudden CPTPP bid: ministerBy Angelica Oung / Staff reporterChina’s surprise application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would not force Taipei’s hand in its own application, Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花) said yesterday. “Our strategy is to line up allies in a low-key manner and work on building consensus before pursuing any official application,” Wang said. Beijing’s surprise bid for inclusion does not mean Taipei should feel pressured into making a parallel bid, she added. “There’s no set timetable for inclusion after an official bid,” Wang said. “Of course US support is always welcome in helping Taiwan join international organizations,” Wang said.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
US, Australia commit to boosting ties with Taiwan
US, Australia commit to boosting ties with TaiwanStaff writer, with CNAThe US and Australia on Thursday expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and said they intend to bolster ties with Taiwan. In a joint statement issued by the two governments at the conclusion of the 31st Australia-US Ministerial Consultations in Washington, they said that Taiwan plays an important role in the Indo-Pacific region. The logo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pictured at the ministry in Taipei on March 3, 2019. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei welcomed the open support from the two countries. Taiwan would continue to build ties with the two democratic partners, based on a solid foundation, to jointly maintain peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, it said yesterday.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Innolux cutting output on weak demand, prices
Innolux cutting output on weak demand, pricesBy Lisa Wang / Staff reporterInnolux Corp (群創), which makes flat panels used in TVs and computers, yesterday said it is cutting production amid weakening demand and slumping prices. The Miaoli-based flat-panel maker’s comments came as demand began losing steam last month after experiencing the industry’s longest boom of one-and-a-half years. “Shipments might be adjusted in the fourth quarter,” Hung added. Innolux also attributed supply-chain disruptions, international port congestion and key component shortages to the already falling demand. Flat panels used in notebook computers, monitors and mobile phones account for a third each, he added.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Chinese planes spotted as military exercises end
Chinese planes spotted as military exercises endStaff writer, with CNATen Chinese military planes flew into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone yesterday as Taiwan concluded its annual Han Kuang military exercises, the Ministry of National Defense said. The air force responded by scrambling planes to monitor the Chinese aircraft, issuing radio warnings and mobilizing air defense assets — the standard practice in responding to intrusions. A Sikorsky S-70C helicopter lands on the Tian Dan, a Cheng Kung-class frigate, during the Han Kuang military exercises yesterday. Photo provided by the Military News Agency via CNAYesterday was the 15th consecutive day of intrusions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone by Chinese planes, ministry data showed. The ministry on Sept. 17 last year set up a dedicated section on its Web site for reports of intrusions by Chinese military planes.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
UK retail sees worst stretch since 1996
UK retail sees worst stretch since 1996BloombergUK retail sales last month fell unexpectedly for a fourth month, the longest stretch of declines in at least 25 years, raising concerns about the economic recovery as a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and supply shortages take a toll. Food sales dropped sharply, as consumers steered spending toward bars, restaurants and entertainment venues that reopened after lockdowns, it said. The fall in sales last month surprised economists, who were predicting a small increase, and sales excluding auto fuel declined 1.2 percent. The only categories that enjoyed an increase in sales were clothing and fuel, as more people returned to offices and traveled for summer holidays. “The near-term outlook for households’ spending is overcast.”Consumer prices rose 3.2 percent in the year to last month, the fastest pace in more than nine years.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC
Foodpanda fined over unfair trade practices
Foodpanda fined over unfair trade practicesBy Angelica Oung / Staff reporterThe Fair Trade Commission (FTC, 公平會) yesterday fined Foodpanda Taiwan Co (富胖達) NT$2 million (US$72,109) for unfair trade practices. Non-cooperating restaurants were punished by being dropped by Foodpanda or having their commission rates raised. Furthermore, Foodpanda was giving consumers a discount for picking up their meals at the restaurant rather than having food delivered. However, the commission is keeping an eye out for network effects as Taiwan’s increasingly valuable meal delivery market consolidates. The FTC warned market leaders Foodpanda and UberEats that it has noticed the increasing concentration of the Taiwanese meal delivery market.
Source:Taipei Times
September 17, 2021 15:56 UTC