ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the history of shipping and port development in Taiwan. It examines the geographical location of Taiwan as well as its demographic characteristics. The chapter outlines the developing background of the economy and trade, containerized cargo market and port development in Taiwan. It describes the shipping business in Taiwan, including major shipping companies, shipping agencies, freight forwarders and container terminal operators. Taiwan is located in the southeastern corner of Eurasia, sitting in the middle of the Western Pacific festoon of islands. International trade plays a crucial role in the economic lifeline of Taiwan. Taiwan is a trade-oriented country. Due to the limitation of land, accompanied by a dense population and a scarcity of natural resources, its economy is highly dependent on foreign trade. Taiwan is highly dependent on sea transportation. In the period from 1986 to 2016, over 99 % of its total cargo was carried by sea.
