A health official says that Chinese investment will not be welcome in planned global medical service centers. There has been public concern about these centers that will be a part of free economic pilot zones.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare hosted a press conference to explain the purpose of the global medical centers. Health official Lee Wui-chiang said that the new medical centers are aimed at attracting global medical talent and organizations to Taiwan.
Some people have voiced concern that Chinese nationals will come and take domestic employment opportunities. Lee said that the medical centers will not be open to medical personnel from China, Hong Kong or Macau. He also said that they would not welcome Chinese investment.
"This is not specified in the written plan, but we’ve had a consensus on this in our discussions. After the plan has been approved, we will specify that Chinese investment is not welcome," Lee said. "As to how this will be enforced, we will discuss the details with the investment commission. So let me say it again, the global health centers of the free economic pilot zones do not plan to welcome Chinese investment."
Lee said the purpose of the medical centers is to upgrade Taiwan’s competitiveness in the medical field. Since China’s medical field is not as advanced as Taiwan’s, there is no reason to welcome Chinese investment.