This project successfully accomplished two cross-strait conferences, in which ample opportunity was provided for exchanging information and experience in soil and groundwater areas between Taiwan and Mainland China. One is the “Conference of Groundwater Contamination Prevention” in Beijing from 6-12 of July, where 11 Taiwan delegates attended, and the other is the “2012 Cross-Strait Conference of Soil and Groundwater Regulation” in Taipei from 4-9 of October, where 14 mainland Chinese delegates were presented. Through these two meetings and other channels it is understood that the main obstacles for Taiwan consulting firms doing business in mainland China are: (1) uncertainty of certificate acquirement, (2) lack of legal protection of investment, (3) the inability of solving relevant problems due to the incomplete legal system, (4) local personal relationship necessary for obtaining contracts, and (5) the lack of legal protection of intellectual property that increases the risk of technical cooperation. It is anticipated that new acts or regulatory will not be made before 2015 until the completion of the “12-5 Program”. No new acts or law was proclaimed this year, while relevant laws before 2012 were documented in the report of EPA-100-GA103-02-A239. It is suggested that Shandong be considered as a business priority for Taiwan’s consulting firms because it is a test point of the groundwater investigation program set in the “12-5 Program” and enjoys a strong economic growth. The mainland China in recent years has expedited its development of investigation and remediation technologies for soil and groundwater contamination problems. In order to maintain Taiwan’s current superiority, it is suggested that Taiwan participate and organize international conferences, broaden its global view, and establish international research and development cooperation. For a better understanding of mainland China’s future movement in the soil and groundwater situations, it is suggested that in addition to the cross-strait conferences, well designed short courses and/or training classes be offered by Taiwan, so that we can secure a foundation for influence.

Cross-Strait Exchange、Soil and Groundwater Contamination、Environmental Protection Regulation