Strategies to Increase the Competitiveness of Taiwans Free Trade Ports Based on the Fuzzy Importance-Performance Analysis

Abstract

International trade is very important to an island like Taiwan. To improve Taiwan’s competitiveness and economic development, it is vital that the government sets up free trade ports. Therefore, improving the free trade ports’ international competitiveness is a crucial subject. In this study, an evaluation framework was developed after discussing the literature and expert interviews. Expert questionnaires and the Fuzzy IPA research methods were used to explore strategies that enhance the competitiveness of Taiwan’ free trade ports. Based on research results, initial improvements can be made on (a2) Establish an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, (a3) Integrate free trade zones, bonded zones and logistics parks into a special economic zone, (a4) Actively join various free trade organizations, (e2) Introduce reputable logistics service providers, expand the supply of goods, build public warehousing facilities and develop a multi-national container consolidation (MCC) and international logistics system and (e3) Develop cargo outsourcing to apply the “Front Shop, Back Factory” concept, at the free ports.